allumer

to light, to switch on

verb ah-loo-MEH Less Common

Also means

to ignite

Usage Note

Allumer is the standard verb for turning on a light, a screen, or a fire — the opposite of éteindre (to switch off). Allumer la télé is the everyday phrase for turning on the TV. The related noun allumette means a match (for starting a fire).

Examples

"Elle a allumé la lampe pour lire son livre."

Natural Translation

She switched on the lamp to read her book.

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