illuminative

[ ih-loo-muh-ney-tiv, -nuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. giving light; illuminating. illuminating.

Other Words From

• nonil·lumi·native adjective
• unil·lumi·native adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of illuminative¹

First recorded in 1635–45; illuminate + -ive

Example Sentences

Had it not been for occasional curt, illuminative questions, Peter Gross might have thought him asleep.

From Project Gutenberg

Here are two facts of the financial sort, sufficiently illuminative.

From Project Gutenberg

For his best romantic effects, like all great romance, are illuminative of life, and no mere idle games.

From Project Gutenberg

A few social customs may conclude this chapter, as illuminative of the times.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact that he does write in that mood points to the one illuminative truth now essential to be remembered.

From Project Gutenberg