Illumination
ɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe provision of light, or the state of being lit up.
ɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃən
The act of providing light or making something visible.
The room's sudden illumination startled the cat.
💡 Simply: Illumination is like turning on a light to make it brighter. It's when something is lit up, whether it's a room, a painting, or a person's understanding.
👶 For kids: Making something bright so you can see it!
More Examples
The museum featured an exhibit on the historical illumination of manuscripts.
The artist carefully considered the illumination of her sculptures.
How It's Used
"The artist used subtle illumination to highlight the textures in the painting."
"The building's night-time illumination was a key feature of its design."
The act of making something clear; enlightenment.
ɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃən
The act of making something clear or understandable; enlightenment.
The sudden illumination helped her solve the problem.
💡 Simply: Illumination can also mean that you suddenly get a really good idea or understand something better. It's like a light bulb going off in your head!
👶 For kids: When you suddenly understand something!
More Examples
The lecture provided a moment of illumination for the students.
The book offered a new illumination on the complex subject.
How It's Used
"The philosopher experienced an illumination regarding the nature of existence."
"The saint described a moment of divine illumination."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
divine illumination
A sudden understanding or spiritual insight from a divine source.
"The mystic claimed to have experienced divine illumination during meditation."
From Latin *illumīnātiō* ('a lighting up, an enlightening'), from *illumināre* ('to light up, enlighten'), from *in-* ('in, on') + *lūmen* ('light').
The word 'illumination' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to physical lighting and later evolving to encompass intellectual or spiritual enlightenment.
Memory tip
Think of a light bulb turning on and making everything clear.