Definition of ILLUMINATES (original) (raw)
1
a(1)
: to supply or brighten with light
(2)
: to make luminous or shining
b
: to enlighten spiritually or intellectually
c
: to subject to radiation
2
b
: to bring to the fore : highlight
a crisis can illuminate how interdependent we all are
4
: to decorate (something, such as a manuscript) with gold or silver or brilliant colors or with often elaborate designs or miniature pictures
1
archaic : brightened with light
2
archaic : intellectually or spiritually enlightened
archaic
: one having or claiming unusual enlightenment
Synonyms
Examples of illuminate in a Sentence
Verb
the part of the moon illuminated by the sun A university study has illuminated the problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
For several years, there has been a stat bouncing around manufacturing circles that’s often used to illuminate our pressing talent shortage. —
Ethan Karp, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 Small lamps illuminated each table; there were paintings and mirrors on the golden walls, and the dim lighting — even at lunch — flattered everyone. —Wwd Staff, WWD, 26 Sep. 2024
The pillars are illuminate, educate, engage, energize, and future. —IEEE Spectrum, 9 Feb. 2024 The other four pillars are designated illuminate, educate, engage, and energize. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 May 2023
Subscribe to Axios Communicators for more stories like this Colin Demarest Jul 10, 2024 - World Inside the next era of warfare: How tech is reshaping the battlefield Conflicts abroad and defense-contract competitions at home illuminate in real time the future of America's war machine. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 11 July 2024 Watch:Doordash driver's dashcam video shows meteor illuminate night sky in Florida Artemis astronauts will need a vehicle on the moon. —Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for illuminate 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illuminate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Verb
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
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1602, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of illuminate was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near illuminate
Cite this Entry
“Illuminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illuminate. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 29 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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