illuminating

[ih-loo-muh-ney-ting]

adjective

1. giving or casting light.

2. informative; enlightening.

illuminating

/ ɪˈluːmɪˌneɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. serving to inform or clarify; instructive

Other Word Forms

• nonilluminating adjective
• nonilluminatingly adverb
• unilluminating adjective
• illuminatingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of illuminating¹

First recorded in 1555–65; illuminat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The knowledge Neal and Samara have acquired since losing Anthony has felt to them like a missing piece that makes sense of his story, and a light illuminating their path ahead.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Light trickles its way into the hotel room, illuminating a brown coffee table.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The BBC has investigated its history and it offers an illuminating insight into the enigmatic life of a shadow ship.

Read more on BBC

Natural light filters through vast triangular windows, illuminating both colossal statues and delicate jewellery from Egypt's ancient civilisation.

Read more on Barron's

They installed a solar-powered lens, illuminating the lighthouse for the first time in decades.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enlightening