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Definition of illuminating

illuminating

/ɪˈluː.mə.neɪ.tɪŋ/
il · lu · mi · nat · ing
Adverb:illuminatingly
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illuminating Lexical Profile

illuminating Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Helping to clarify or explain a complex subject; providing valuable insight or understanding.

Example

"The historian gave an illuminating lecture on the economic causes of the industrial revolution."

2

Giving off or supplying physical light to brighten an area or object.

Example

"The biologist adjusted the microscope's illuminating mirror to get a clearer view of the cell structure."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for illuminating

• Nearby Words

illuminate
illuminated
illuminati
illuminating
illuminatingly
illumination
illuminative

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the present participle of 'illuminate', which derives from the Latin verb 'illuminare' (to light up, throw into light), from 'in-' (in, upon) and 'lumen' (light).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Illuminating. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/illuminating
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