v. Function: verb
1 to supply with physical light FF1C; a room dimly illuminated by firelight FF1E;
Synonyms: illume, illumine, light, lighten
Related Words: 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 FF1C; the worth of a truly illuminating book FF1E;
Synonyms: edify, enlighten, illume, illumine, improve, irradiate, uplift
Related Words: 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 Words: construe, define, dramatize, expound, express, gloss, interpret
Idioms: shed light on ( or upon)
Contrasted Words: baffle, confound, confuse, mystify, pose, puzzle, stump