Alight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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alight
[əˈlaɪt ]
Definitions
to descend
To alight means to descend from a vehicle or to come down from the air. It often refers to birds landing or people getting off a bus or train.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She alighted from the train at the station.
- The bird alighted gracefully on the branch.
- After a long journey, the passengers began to alight from the bus.
on fire
As an adjective, alight means being on fire or glowing. It describes something that is illuminated or ablaze.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The building was alight after the explosion.
- He saw the campfire alight with bright flames.
- The sky was alight with fireworks during the celebration.
Translations
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Origin of 'alight'
The word 'alight' originates from the combination of the prefix 'a-' meaning 'on' or 'in' and 'light', stemming from Old English 'a' and 'leohte'. Its earliest use was to describe something that was on fire or burning. Over time, the usage of 'alight' expanded to include the action of coming to rest, particularly from a height such as when birds land or when passengers exit from vehicles. The verb form became associated with disembarking, while the adjective maintained its association with being ablaze. The term reflected the duality of light and descent, illustrating a transition from one state to another, emphasizing both the action and the resulting condition.