Spanish Conversation · Level 21
90 words
Spanish word
alumbrar
Pronunciation
IPA/alumˈbɾaɾ/
Meaning
- verblight
Example
La lámpara alumbra la habitación.
The lamp lights the room.
More examples
El faro alumbra la costa por la noche.
The lighthouse illuminates the coast at night.
Core concept
A lamp beam making objects' shapes and colors visible in a dark room.
Common phrases
alumbrar la calle
illuminate the street
alumbrar el camino
illuminate the path
alumbrar la escena
illuminate the scene
Similar words
encender: Turns on power to a light or appliance so it starts emitting light.
prender: Ignites a flame or starts an electrical light so it begins to burn or glow.
iluminar: Lights up surfaces and areas to reveal details and create general brightness.
Definition in Spanish
Producir o proyectar luz sobre algo para que se vea mejor.
Word origin
The verb traces back to Latin illumināre, and through regular Romance-language changes it became Spanish alumbrar with the meaning of making a place or object visible with light.
Usage tips
- Alumbrar can be used literally for physical light and also figuratively to 'shed light on' a topic, though iluminar is often preferred for abstract senses.
Other meanings
- brightenverb
Related words
- alumbramientoilluminationnoun
- alumbradolightingnoun