Alight: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：on fire (alight)

alight 🔊

/əˈlaɪt/

adj.

On fire or lit; something is burning and giving off light.

Alight lantern illustration: A paper lantern glowing with fire in a serene garden at dusk.

on fire 🔊

➕

/ɒn ˈfaɪə/

adj.

Describes something that is actively burning and emitting light.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'ālīhtan', meaning 'to light up'.

💡 Mnemonic

A light is alight. Simple and direct!

📖 Example

During the ceremony, the traditional torch was alight, symbolizing peace and unity. 🔊 During the ceremony, the traditional torch was burning brightly, symbolizing peace and unity.

🔗 Collocations

alight with – shining with or filled with (an emotion like joy, excitement)

keep alight – to maintain a flame or fire

set alight – to cause something to start burning

🔄 Synonyms

ablaze (adj.) – burning fiercely and brightly

ignited (adj.) – set on fire

burning (adj.) – on fire; undergoing combustion

🚫 Antonyms

extinguished (adj.) – having had a fire or light put out

unlit (adj.) – not provided with light; dark

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'alight' originates from Old English, combining 'a-' (on) with 'līhtan' (to light). Its original sense of 'lighting up' or 'disembarking' reflects the ancient image of stepping down from a horse or carriage as if bringing light to the ground.