Words / B2

i-LOOM-in-ayt/ɪˈluːmɪneɪt/

To illuminate is to light something, or to make an idea clearer: illuminate a path; a comment that illuminates the text. Light is everyday; clarify is the idea-sense twin. Street lights will illuminate the cycle path. Formal register in essays. Do not use it for a desk lamp in casual speech.

Meaning

To light something up; also to make an idea clearer.

Examples

• “Street lights will illuminate the cycle path after the inquest.”
• “A footnote can illuminate an obscure allusion, which is the criticism sense.”

Good to know

illuminate a street / text / debate. Everyday (light): light up. Ideas: clarify. Formal. Planning inquiries and literature.

Near in meaning

clarify

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