# light up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/light-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to make something bright or visible by adding light; also to cause a facial expression of joy or surprise.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The room lit up to" but "The room lit up with light" — the preposition 'with' is required when specifying the source of light in transitive uses.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.