What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
illuminate
Example
The chandelier illuminated the entire room. [illuminate: verb]
Example
The professor used examples to illuminate the complex theory. [illuminate: verb]
shine
Example
The sun was shining brightly in the sky. [shine: verb]
Example
She really shone in her performance on stage. [shone: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shine is more commonly used than illuminate in everyday language. Shine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while illuminate is less common and often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between illuminate and shine?
Illuminate is typically associated with a more formal tone, while shine is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
