Word
radiate
Phoneticsra·di·ate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹeɪdiˌeɪt/
UK/ɹˈeɪdɪˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to spread from a center
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to spread out in all directions from a central point, like the spokes of a wheel.
v. to extend or spread out from a central point in a radial pattern.
“Several small paths radiate from the fountain in the middle of the park.”
“The city's primary boulevards radiate from the central square, creating a geometric layout that facilitates movement toward the outskirts.”
Antonyms
02to emit energy
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
v. to send out heat, light, or other energy.
v. to emit energy in the form of rays or waves.
“The hot metal began to radiate heat as soon as it left the fire.”
“The sun radiates vast amounts of electromagnetic energy, only a fraction of which reaches the Earth's atmosphere.”
Antonyms
03having rays
C2 · Proficiency Biology Technical
adj. having parts that grow or spread out from a center, like the petals of a daisy.
adj. characterized by parts that diverge from a central point; having radial symmetry.
“The flower has a radiate shape with many thin petals around the middle.”
“The specimen exhibited a radiate structure, typical of certain marine organisms that possess multiple axes of symmetry.”
Real-World Examples
“Charged-up walls radiate warmth back into rooms that never get the chance to cool.” “The curtains get hotter and hotter until they reach a temperature at which they are radiating as much heat as they absorb.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin radiātus, perfect passive participle of radiō (“to radiate, furnish with spokes, give out rays, radiate, shine”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from radius (“a spoke, ray”).
Learned borrowing from Latin radiātus (see Etymology 1 and -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more).
From a substantivation of the above adjective through the associated taxon's name (Radiata), see -ate (noun-forming suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/radiate