illuminating
UK: ɪˈluːmɪneɪtɪŋ | US: ɪˈluːmɪneɪtɪŋ
adj. providing clarity or insight; enlightening
vt. (present participle of illuminate) casting light on something; making something visible or understandable
illuminating = il<in, upon> + lumin<light> + ating<verb suffix>
- il- (variant of in-, meaning "in, upon," from Latin)
- lumin (from Latin lumen, meaning "light")
- -ating (present participle suffix in English, indicating ongoing action)
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin illuminare ("to light up"), combining in- (intensifier) and lumen ("light"). It entered Middle English via Old French illuminer, initially describing physical light (e.g., lighting candles). By the 16th century, it gained metaphorical use for intellectual or spiritual enlightenment. The morpheme lumin persists in related words like luminous and luminary.
Her lecture was so illuminating that I finally understood the theory.
The museum uses spotlights to create an illuminating effect on the artifacts.
His research provides an illuminating perspective on ancient cultures.
The documentary was illuminating, revealing unknown facts about the war.
A single candle can be illuminating in a dark room.