illuminate

• 动词，表示照亮某物或使其明亮，也指阐明、解释某事使其清楚易懂。

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.

   照亮

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

   同义词brightenillumineirradiatekindlelightlighten

   反义词blackendarkendimobscureshade

2. Make clear or explainB2formal

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

   阐明

   • 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.

   同义词clarifyclear upelaborateelucidateexplainexpoundinterpretshed light on

   反义词befogconfusemuddleobscure

3. Decorate manuscriptsC1formal

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

   装饰手抄本

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

   同义词adorndecorateembellishlimnornament