alight

¹

[uh-lahyt]

verb (used without object)

alighted, alit, alighting. 

1. to dismount from a horse, descend from a vehicle, etc.

2. to settle or stay after descending.

   The bird alighted on the tree.

3. to encounter or notice something accidentally.

alight

²

[uh-lahyt]

adverb

1. provided with light; lighted up.

2. on fire; burning.

alight

¹

/ əˈlaɪt /

verb

1. (usually foll by from) to step out (of) or get down (from)

   to alight from a taxi

2. to come to rest; settle; land

   a thrush alighted on the wall

alight

²

/ əˈlaɪt /

adjective

1. burning; on fire

2. illuminated; lit up

Word History and Origins

Origin of alight¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English alighten, Old English ālīhtan; equivalent to a- ³ + light ³ )

Origin of alight²

First recorded before 1000; originally past participle of alight “to light up,” Middle English alihten, Old English onlīhtan, equivalent to a- ¹ + light ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of alight¹

Old English ālīhtan, from _a- ² + līhtan to make less heavy, from līht _light ²

Origin of alight²

Old English ālīht lit up, from ālīhtan to light up; see _light ¹

Example Sentences

Rangers' search for a replacement quickly alighted upon Gerrard, who was of interest to club's American owners in the summer, before a number of issues resulted in him withdrawing from the running.

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With the roof alight and at risk of collapse, firefighters needed to work almost entirely from ladder trucks.

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The contestants were challenged to pull a giant Trojan horse up a hill and through a series of gates that each required a special code, before eventually setting the horse alight.

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Mr Thornton said he could not be exactly sure of the reason the rechargeable device set alight.

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They then poured a liquid at the entrance and near a car parked outside, which was set alight, the volunteer said.

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Related Words

• descend 
• disembark 
• get off 
• perch 
• touch down