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illuminate

verb

/ɪˈlu məˌneɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of illuminate

To provide light or brightness, both literally and metaphorically.
"The professor's lecture on philosophy sought to illuminate the intricate nature of human existence."

Detailed meaning of illuminate

In a literal sense, it refers to the action of lighting up or brightening a physical space, object, or area. This can be achieved through the use of artificial lighting or by allowing natural light to penetrate and illuminate a space. Metaphorically, "illuminate" means to clarify, enlighten, or make something understandable or clearer. It involves shedding light on a concept, idea, or topic, making it more comprehensible and revealing its intricacies or hidden aspects. To illuminate is to bring clarity, knowledge, or insight to a situation or to provide a deeper understanding of a subject matter. It can involve the sharing of information, explanations, or revelations that enhance understanding, dispel confusion, or provide guidance.

Example sentences containing illuminate

1. The moon will illuminate the night sky beautifully.
2. Her smile seemed to illuminate the entire room.
3. The lanterns will illuminate the garden path.
4. Science has the power to illuminate the mysteries of the universe.
5. The sunrise will illuminate the horizon soon.
6. The streetlights help illuminate the dark streets.

History and etymology of illuminate

The verb 'illuminate' has its origins in the Latin word 'illuminare,' which is a combination of 'in' (meaning 'in' or 'on') and 'luminare' (meaning 'to light' or 'to shine'). In Latin, 'illuminare' was used both in the literal sense of providing light and in a metaphorical sense, signifying the act of enlightening or making something clear and understandable. This dual usage of 'illuminate' has persisted in English, where it can refer to the literal act of providing light or brightness as well as metaphorically shedding light on a subject or making it clearer and more comprehensible. The etymology of 'illuminate' underscores its historical association with the concept of shedding light, whether in the physical or intellectual sense, and its role in making things more visible, evident, or understandable.

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Further usage examples of illuminate

1. His speech had the ability to illuminate complex ideas.
2. The lighthouse will illuminate the coastline at night.
3. Art has the capacity to illuminate the human experience.
4. The candles on the cake will illuminate her face.
5. Education can illuminate the path to a brighter future.
6. The fireworks will illuminate the sky in dazzling colors.
7. His wisdom can illuminate even the darkest moments.
8. The projector will illuminate the screen with images.
9. Compassion can illuminate the darkest hearts.
10. The spotlight will illuminate the stage during the performance.
11. Knowledge can illuminate the way to success.
12. The headlights of the car will illuminate the road ahead.
13. Her kindness can illuminate someone's day.
14. The city lights illuminate the skyline at night.
15. I illuminate the canvas with bold, bright colors.
16. We illuminate the past with our historical research.
17. You illuminate the meaning behind the complex theory.
18. They illuminate the night sky with a spectacular firework display.
19. I illuminate the issue with a straightforward explanation.
20. We illuminate the city streets with energy-efficient LED lights.
21. You illuminate the whole garden with your new fairy lights.
22. They illuminate the mural with a spotlight.
23. I illuminate the darkness with my flashlight.
24. We illuminate the map, searching for our next destination.
25. You illuminate the secrets of the universe with your astrophysical discoveries.
26. They illuminate the mysteries of the ocean floor with their deep-sea exploration.