I. əˈlīt, usu -d.+V intransitive verb
( alighted -īd.ə̇d, -ītə̇d ; or sometimes alit əˈlit ; alighted ; alighting ; alights )
Etymology: Middle English alighten to alight, alighten, from Old English ālīhtan, from ā- (perfective prefix) + līhtan to alight, lighten — more at abear , light
1. : to spring down, get down, or descend (as from horseback or from a vehicle) : dismount
2. : to descend and settle after falling or flying : lodge , land
a bird alights on a twig
snow alighting on a roof
3. archaic : fall : come down and strike
4. archaic : to come by chance — used with upon
alight upon a solution
Synonyms: see descend
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, alteration of alighted, past participle of alighten to light up, from Old English alīhtan, from a- (I) + līhtan to light — more at light
: lighted up : in a flame : lighted
the sky alight with stars
his face alight with inspiration