Definition

This word describes something that is burning or lit up, such as a fire or a bright sky filled with stars.

Example

The sky was alight with millions of stars.

Conversation

Did you see the fireworks last night?

Yeah, they were amazing! The sky was so alight with color.

I know, right? It felt like the whole city was celebrating.

Definitely! It was the best show I've seen in a long time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To come down from the air and settle on a surface, or to get off from a vehicle.

Example

The bird alighted on the branch after its long flight.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see that bird alight on the fence?

Yeah, it was so cute! I love watching them.

I wish I could alight on a branch like that.

Root Explanation

Alight is formed from "a-" (meaning on or in) and "light" (from Old English "leoht", meaning bright or not heavy). The word describes the action of coming down to land or settle on something, often with a sense of brightness or illumination.

Memory Tip

Think of something coming 'on' ('a-') and being 'bright' ('light') — that's why alight means to settle down or land, often in a bright or illuminated way.

Visually Confused Words