illuminate
Translation
to light up, to clarify, to enlighten
Examples
The lamps illuminate the street at night.
The lamps illuminate the street at night.
This report illuminates the problem.
This report illuminates the problem.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to light up or clarify (sth.) The lamps illuminate the street.
Similar Words
Synonyms: light up, brighten, clarify, explain; Antonyms: darken, obscure
Etymology
From Latin 'illuminare' (to light up), from 'in-' (into) + 'lumen' (light). It literally means 'to bring light into'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'lumen', a unit of light. To illuminate is to bring 'lumen' (light) into something, either literally or figuratively.