alight
/əˈlaɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈlaɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈlīt/ (ame, mw)
alight — adjective
- alightpositive
- more alightcomparative
- most alightsuperlative
1. on fire and giving off flames, heat, or smoke
on fire and giving off flames, heat, or smoke
The dry leaves caught a spark and were soon alight.
collocation: catch alight — begin burning
Fatima threw another log onto the already alight campfire.
Within minutes, the entire roof of the shed was alight.
Kenji stamped on the alight piece of paper before it spread.
The candle tipped over and left the tablecloth alight.
- extinguished
formally put out
- out
everyday opposite of on fire
用法筆記
Often used with 'set' or 'catch': set alight, catch alight. Describes the state of burning, not the action of starting a fire.
常見錯誤
2. shining with strong light, whether from lamps or candles indoors or from the sun
shining with strong light, whether from lamps or candles indoors or from the sun, moon, or fire outdoors
The temple courtyard was alight with hundreds of paper lanterns.
pattern: alight with + [light source]
Amara gasped when she saw the ballroom alight for the party.
Every window in the high-rise was alight as evening fell.
Hassan noticed the distant village was still alight despite the late hour.
The mountain peaks were alight with the first rays of dawn.
The evening sky stood alight with streaks of red and gold.
The garden was alight with the silver shine of a full moon.
- illuminated
more formal; often used for architectural or ceremonial lighting
- lit up
the everyday equivalent; works in all registers
- glowing
suggests a softer, warmer light
用法筆記
Often followed by 'with' plus the light source (candles, lanterns, the moon, dawn). Covers both indoor spaces lit by artificial light and outdoor scenes lit by natural light. The distinction between general brightness and brightness from a named source is one of emphasis, not a separate meaning.
3. showing strong happiness, excitement, or eager interest — used of a person's fac
showing strong happiness, excitement, or eager interest — used of a person's face or eyes
Soren's face was alight with joy when he opened the gift.
pattern: face alight with + [emotion]
The children's eyes were alight as the magician pulled out a dove.
Linh returned from the interview, her whole expression alight with hope.
Grandmother's face grew alight every time she spoke about her travels.
Yara listened to the proposal, her eyes alight with curiosity.
- dull
lacking any brightness or liveliness
用法筆記
Almost always describes a person's face or eyes. Common collocation: alight with joy, excitement, pleasure, or curiosity. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense describes emotional brightness, not physical light.
常見錯誤
alight — verb
- alightpresent simple I / you / we / they
- alights3rd person singular
- alighting-ing form
- alightedpast simple
- alitpast participle
1. to step off a bus, train, or other form of transport after it has come to a stop
to step off a bus, train, or other form of transport after it has come to a stop
Kwame alighted from the crowded bus and stretched his tired legs.
pattern: alight from + [vehicle]
The passengers alighted one by one as the train pulled into the station.
intransitive: no direct object
Irene alighted from the taxi and paid the driver through the window.
Several tourists alighted at the wrong stop and looked around in confusion.
The old man waited for the bus to fully stop before he alighted.
文法句型
alight from + vehicle
用法筆記
Formal; in everyday speech, use 'get off' instead. Always intransitive — you cannot 'alight a bus'; you must 'alight from a bus'. The subject is always a person or group of people.
常見錯誤
2. to fly down through the air and come to rest lightly on a branch, ledge, or othe
to fly down through the air and come to rest lightly on a branch, ledge, or other surface
A bright blue butterfly alighted on the edge of the gardener's cup.
pattern: alight on + [surface]
The sparrow alighted on the fence post and began to sing.
A dragonfly alighted on a reed near the edge of the pond.
The crow alighted on the highest branch of the old oak tree.
A ladybug alighted on the child's outstretched hand and stayed there.
文法句型
alight on/upon + surface
用法筆記
Followed by 'on' or the more literary 'upon'. The subject is almost always a bird, insect, or other small flying creature. Not used for large animals or aircraft.