# illuminate

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɪˈl(j)umɪneɪt/ · frequency rank #19,618

## Definitions
1. To shine light on something.
2. To decorate something with lights.
3. To clarify or make something understandable.
4. To decorate the page of a manuscript book with ornamental designs.
5. To make spectacular.
6. To glow; to light up.
7. To be exposed to light.
8. To direct a radar beam toward.

## Etymology
From Middle English illuminaten, borrowed from Latin illūminātus, perfect passive participle of illūminō (“lighten, light up, show off”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more), from in + lūminō (“light up”), from lūmen (“light”). Cognate with Old English lȳman (“to glow, shine”). More at leam.

## Easily confused with
- **illuminated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/illuminate-vs-illuminated)

## Common misspellings (12)
`illmuinate`, `illuimnate`, `illumiante`, `illuminaet`, `illuminatte`, `illuminnate`, `illumintae`, `illumminate`, `illumniate`, `ilulminate`, `iluminate`, `liluminate`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/illuminate