Illumination
/ˌɪl.juːˈmɪ.neɪ.ʃən/noun
The act of lighting something up or the state of being lit.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'illumination' referred not just to light but to the divine inspiration of artists creating illuminated manuscripts, believed to channel celestial wisdom.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
illuminatio
“the act of lighting up, enlightenment”
Old French
Old French
iluminacion
“the action of lighting or enlightening”
Middle English
Middle English
illumynacioun
“the act of illuminating or enlightening, often in a spiritual context”
Modern English
English
illumination
“the process of providing light, often associated with enlightenment or knowledge”