illuminer

to illuminate

verb ee-lyoo-mee-NEH Rare

Also means

to light up

Usage Note

illuminer can be literal (lights illuminating a building) or figurative (an idea illuminating a question). The reflexive s'illuminer means 'to light up', often describing a face or sky brightening suddenly. The noun illumination (f) shares the same root and is used for festive lighting displays.

Examples

"Les lampions illuminent la rue."

Natural Translation

The lanterns illuminate the street.

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