Definition of Illuminate

Definition of ILLUMINATE

1

archaic : brightened with light

2

archaic : intellectually or spiritually enlightened

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First Known Use of ILLUMINATE

15th century

Rhymes with ILLUMINATE

acuminate, aluminate

Full Definition of ILLUMINATE

transitive verb

1

a : to enlighten spiritually or intellectually

b (1) : to supply or brighten with light (2) : to make luminous or shining

c archaic : to set alight

d : to subject to radiation

2

a : to make clear : elucidate

b : to bring to the fore : highlight <a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are>

3

: to make illustrious or resplendent

4

: to decorate (as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures

— il·lu·mi·nat·ing·ly \-ˌnā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

— il·lu·mi·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun

See illuminate defined for English-language learners

See illuminate defined for kids

Examples of ILLUMINATE

the part of the moon illuminated by the sun
A university study has illuminated the problem.

Origin of ILLUMINATE

Middle English, from Latin illuminatus, past participle of illuminare, from in- + luminare to light up, from lumin-, lumen light — more at luminary

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ILLUMINATE

Synonyms: bathe, beacon, emblaze, illume, illumine, irradiate, light, lighten

Antonyms: blacken, darken, obfuscate

Rhymes with ILLUMINATE

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