illumination

/i,lju:mi'neiʃn/

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Word: Illumination

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition

"Illumination" refers to the act of lighting something up or making it brighter. It can also mean gaining understanding or insight about a topic or idea.

Usage Instructions

You can use "illumination" in different contexts. It can describe physical light (like when a lamp illuminates a room) or metaphorical light (like when someone helps you understand a difficult subject).

Examples

1. Physical Light: "The illumination from the streetlights made it easier to see while walking at night."
2. Understanding: "After the teacher explained the topic again, I felt a sense of illumination about the subject."

Advanced Usage

In literature or art, "illumination" can refer to decorative elements in manuscripts or books, especially those that were used in the past. These often include colorful designs and illustrations that enhance the text.

Word Variants

• Illuminate (verb): To light up or to clarify something.
  • Example: "The professor's explanation helped to illuminate the complex theory."
• Illuminating (adjective): Something that provides insight or clarity.
  • Example: "Her illuminating lecture made the topic much clearer."

Different Meanings

1. Lighting: Refers to the amount of light that falls on a surface.
2. Understanding: Refers to gaining clarity or insight into a subject, often used in educational contexts.
3. Spiritual Context: Can refer to a state of enlightenment or spiritual awareness, as in "divine illumination."

Synonyms

• Light
• Clarification
• Insight
• Enlightenment
• Brightness

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there aren't commonly used idioms specifically featuring "illumination," you might come across phrases that imply understanding, such as: - "Light bulb moment": When someone suddenly understands something. - Example: "When she finally understood the math problem, it was a real light bulb moment for her."

Summary

In summary, "illumination" is a versatile word that can refer to both physical light and metaphorical understanding. It is used in various contexts, from art and literature to education and spirituality.

Academic

Noun

1. painting or drawing included in a book (especially in illuminated medieval manuscripts)
2. the luminous flux incident on a unit area
3. an interpretation that removes obstacles to understanding
   • the professor's clarification helped her to understand the textbook
4. the degree of visibility of your environment
5. a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination
   • follow God's light

Synonyms

• miniature
• illuminance
• clarification
• elucidation
• light