Word Phrasal verb
light up
phrasal verb.
B1 Intermediate Oxford
Definition
phrasal verb.to make something bright or visible by adding light; also to cause a facial expression of joy or surprise.
phrasal verb.to cause a source of light to emit illumination; can also mean to cause a facial expression of joy or surprise, often used metaphorically.
Examples
“The lamp lights up the room.”
“She lit up the candle to read the letter.”
“The fireworks lit up the night sky in a dazzling display.”
Usage
followed by a direct object indicating what is illuminated, or used intransitively to describe facial expressions.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'illuminate' (formal) and 'brighten' (more general); note the metaphorical use in describing emotions.
Pitfall
The room lit up toThe room lit up with light
the preposition 'with' is required when specifying the source of light in transitive uses.
- darken
- dim
- extinguish
- Particles
- up
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- light + up + object
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Updated