German word

erhellen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈhɛlən/

Meaning

  • verbbrighten

Example

Das Licht erhellt den Raum.

The light brightens the room.

Illustration for erhellen (brighten)

More examples

Die Analyse soll einen Sachverhalt erhellen.

The analysis is supposed to clarify a matter.

Core concept

A lamp removes shadows from a room while a clear explanation removes shadows from a difficult point.

Common phrases

  • einen Sachverhalt erhellen

    clarify a matter

  • mit Licht erhellen

    illuminate with light

  • das Gesicht erhellen

    brighten the face

Similar words

erläutern: Explains details and background so that the content becomes easier to understand.
erklären: Explains a cause or meaning in an orderly way to create understanding.
verdeutlichen: Clarifies meaning by using examples or comparisons.
beleuchten: Reveals a new perspective on an issue or one of its aspects.

Definition in German

mit Licht oder Worten Helligkeit oder Klarheit in etwas bringen

Word origin

Erhellen combines the prefix er- with German hell, meaning bright; er- marks a resulting change, giving the verb literal and figurative senses.

Usage tips

  • Erhellen is often more formal than aufhellen when facts or explanations clarify an issue; aufhellen is common for moods and physical darkness.

Other meanings

  • enlightenverb

Opposites

  • verdunkelndarkenverb
  • trübendullverb

Related words

  • Erhellungilluminationnoun
  • erhellendenlighteningadjective

Word lists with this word