/ ɪˈluːmɪneɪt; NAmE / (also less frequent il·lu·mine ) verb [ vn ]
1.
to shine light on sth :
Floodlights illuminated the stadium.
The earth is illuminated by the sun.
2.
( formal ) to make sth clearer or easier to understand
SYN clarify :
This text illuminates the philosopher's early thinking.
3.
to decorate a street, building, etc. with bright lights for a special occasion
4.
( literary ) to make a person's face, etc. seem bright and excited
SYN light up :
Her smile illuminated her entire being.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin illuminat- illuminated, from the verb illuminare , from in- upon + lumen , lumin- light.