erhellen
Translation
to illuminate, to light up, to brighten, to clarify
Examples
Eine Lampe erhellte den Raum.
A lamp illuminated the room.
Seine Erklärung erhellte die Situation.
His explanation clarified the situation.
Ihr Gesicht erhellte sich bei seinem Anblick.
Her face lit up at the sight of him.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to illuminate, light up (sth.) The candle illuminates the room.
((sich)) to light up, brighten (of a face, etc.) His face lit up.
Similar Words
Synonyms: beleuchten (to illuminate), aufklären (to clarify); Antonyms: verdunkeln (to darken)
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (indicating a change of state) + 'hell' (bright). Literally 'to make bright'.
Memory Tips
Connect 'erhellen' directly to the adjective 'hell' (bright). The 'er-' prefix shows the action of making something bright.