What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
illuminated
Example
The city skyline was beautifully illuminated by the fireworks. [illuminated: adjective]
Example
The room was illuminated by a single lamp in the corner. [illuminated: verb]
lit
Example
The candles on the birthday cake were lit one by one. [lit: verb]
Example
The street lamps lit up the dark alleyway. [lit: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lit is more commonly used than illuminated in everyday language, especially in informal contexts such as social media or texting. Illuminated is more commonly used in formal writing or literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between illuminated and lit?
Illuminated is generally considered more formal than lit, and is often used in academic or literary contexts. Lit is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
