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Synonyms

radiate

American  
[rey-dee-eyt, rey-dee-it, -eyt] / ˈreɪ diˌeɪt, ˈreɪ di ɪt, -ˌeɪt /

verb (used without object)

radiated, radiating
  1. to extend, spread, or move like rays or radii from a center.

  2. to emit rays, as of light or heat; irradiate.

  3. to issue or proceed in rays.

  4. (of persons) to project or glow with cheerfulness, joy, etc..

    She simply radiates with good humor.


verb (used with object)

radiated, radiating
  1. to emit in rays; disseminate, as from a center.

  2. (of persons) to project (joy, goodwill, etc.).

adjective

  1. radiating from a center.

  2. having rays extending from a central point or part.

    a coin showing a radiate head.

  3. radiating symmetrically.

radiate British  

verb

  1. Also: eradiate.  to emit (heat, light, or some other form of radiation) or (of heat, light, etc) to be emitted as radiation

  2. (intr) (of lines, beams, etc) to spread out from a centre or be arranged in a radial pattern

  3. (tr) (of a person) to show (happiness, health, etc) to a great degree

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. having rays; radiating

  2. (of a capitulum) consisting of ray florets

  3. (of animals or their parts) showing radial symmetry

  4. adorned or decorated with rays

    a radiate head on a coin

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • antiradiating adjective
  • interradiate verb (used without object)
  • multiradiate adjective
  • multiradiated adjective
  • nonradiating adjective
  • radiability noun
  • radiable adjective
  • radiableness noun
  • radiably adverb
  • radiately adverb
  • reradiate verb
  • subradiate adjective
  • unradiated adjective

Etymology

Origin of radiate

First recorded in 1610–20, radiate is from the Latin word radiātus (past participle of radiāre to radiate light, shine). See radiant, -ate 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They materialize in the kitchen year after year, radiating earnest goodwill, and yet somehow leave a trail of small calamities in their wake.

From Salon

Ushikubo is charming and affable, with a poise that radiates outward.

From Los Angeles Times

The movie radiates the spare, rugged poetry of a short story or a John Prine song.

From Los Angeles Times

"It is obvious that the painting radiates his admiration," he said.

From Barron's

When a strong light is trained on it, however, that image is projected onto a wall to reveal Amida standing on a lotus blossom and radiating beams of light.

From The Wall Street Journal