Also means
to enlighten, clarify
Usage Note
Éclairer covers both physical lighting (éclairer une pièce, 'light up a room') and intellectual clarification (éclairer une question, 'shed light on an issue'). The reflexive s'éclairer means to brighten or become clearer.
Examples
"Cette lampe éclaire bien la pièce."
Natural Translation
This lamp lights the room well.

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