illuminate

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action d'éclairer ou de rendre lumineux quelque chose, ainsi que pour clarifier ou expliquer ce qui est obscur.

A verb used to indicate the act of lighting up or making something bright, or to clarify or explain something.

1. Make lighter or brighterB2formal

   To light up or make something brighter, often with light.

   éclairer, illuminer

   • The lamp illuminated the entire room.
   • The fireworks illuminated the night sky.
   • Sunlight illuminated the stained glass windows.

   Synonymesbrightenillumineirradiatekindlelightlighten

   Antonymesblackendarkendimobscureshade

2. Make clear or explainB2formal

   To clarify or explain something so it is easier to understand.

   Éclaircir, clarifier

   • The professor's lecture illuminated the complex theory.
   • Her research helped illuminate the causes of the disease.
   • The document illuminates the company's future plans.

   Synonymesclarifyclear upelaborateelucidateexplainexpoundinterpretshed light on

   Antonymesbefogconfusemuddleobscure

3. Decorate manuscriptsC1formal

   To add decorative elements, such as gold leaf or illustrations, to medieval manuscripts.

   Enluminer

   • Monks would illuminate religious texts by hand.
   • The manuscript was beautifully illuminated with intricate patterns.
   • Artists spent years illuminating a single book.

   Synonymesadorndecorateembellishlimnornament