Definition

To provide light or make something brighter, often used in a figurative sense to mean making something clearer or easier to understand.

Example

The artist used bright colors to illumine the painting and draw attention to its details.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how the streetlights illumine the park at night?

Yeah, it's really beautiful when everything is lit up like that.

It makes the whole place feel so much safer and inviting.

For sure! I love walking there after dark because of how bright it is.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Illumine is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "luminare" (meaning to light up or illuminate). The word describes the act of bringing light into something, making it bright or clear.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bringing light into' ('in-') something dark — that's why illumine means to light up.

Visually Confused Words