verb
1.
to supply with physical light
a room dimly illuminated by firelight
Synonyms: illume, illumine, light, lighten
Related Word: brighten; irradiate; floodlight, highlight, spotlight; fire, ignite, kindle
Contrasted words: blur, cloud, darken, dim, dull, obscure, pale
2.
to supply with spiritual or intellectual light
the worth of a truly illuminating book
Synonyms: edify, enlighten, illume, illumine, improve, irradiate, uplift
Related Word: better, improve; ennoble, exalt, refine; finish, mature, perfect, polish
Contrasted words: becloud, cloud, darken, obfuscate, obscure, overshadow, shadow
3.
Synonyms: clarify 2, clear, clear up, elucidate, explain, illustrate
Related Word: construe, define, dramatize, expound, express, gloss, interpret
Idioms: shed light on ( or upon)
Contrasted words: baffle, confound, confuse, mystify, pose, puzzle, stump