Definition of "illuminate" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To shine light on something.

2. (transitive) To decorate something with lights.

3. (transitive, figurative) To clarify or make something understandable.

4. (transitive) To decorate the page of a manuscript book with ornamental designs.

5. (transitive, figurative) To make spectacular.

6. (intransitive) To glow; to light up.

   • Say my name / and every color illuminates. / We are shining / […]

7. (intransitive) To be exposed to light.

8. (transitive, military) To direct a radar beam toward.

adjective

1. (obsolete) Enlightened, illuminated, made bright.

   • February 28 1630, Joseph Hall, The Hypocrite do ye see an illuminate elder of the anabaptists rapt in divine ecstasies?

2. (figurative) Enlightened spiritually, divinely taught or inspired; in technical use, converted, baptized.

3. (archaic) Learned, erudite.

noun

1. Someone thought to have an unusual degree of enlightenment.