English Reference

Word

illuminated

Phoneticsil·lu·mi·nat·ed

US/ˌɪˈɫuməˌneɪtəd/

UK/ɪlˈuːmɪnˌeɪtɪd/

Definitions

01lit up

B2

adj. bright because light is shining on it.

adj. provided with light; brightened by a light source.

“The illuminated sign was easy to see from the road at night.”

“The illuminated clock tower served as a beacon for travellers navigating the city streets after midnight.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

darkdimunlit

02decorated books

C1

adj. describing old books decorated with bright colours and gold.

adj. referring to a manuscript decorated with gold, silver, or brilliant colours, often including intricate miniature illustrations.

“The museum has a famous illuminated book from the Middle Ages.”

“Scholars spent decades studying the illuminated manuscripts, marveling at the preservation of the vibrant lapis lazuli pigments used by the monks.”

Technical

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“The first time Garate lit a torch inside that cave, the flame illuminated only a dozen feet or so, and its flickering red light moved constantly and danced with shadow.”
Smithsonian Magazine · 27 Aug 2026
“Through a telescope, the planet will look almost half illuminated, resembling a miniature lunar phase.”
ScienceDaily · 5 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/illuminated

English Reference