alight

[əˈlaɪt]

alight Definition

• 1. to get off a bus, train, or other vehicle
• 2. to descend from a horse or other animal
• 3. to come down from a height or position

Using alight: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alight" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The passengers alighted from the bus.

• Example

  She alighted from her horse and walked to the gate.

• Example

  The bird alighted on a branch.

alight Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for alight

• disembark
• dismount
• descend
• land

Antonyms for alight

• board
• mount
• ascend

Phrases with alight

• settle alight

  to catch fire

  Example

  The dry leaves settled alight and quickly spread the fire.

• alight with joy

  to be filled with happiness or excitement

  Example

  Her face alighted with joy when she saw her family waiting for her at the airport.

• alight on something

  to suddenly notice or think of something

  Example

  He alighted on a solution to the problem while taking a shower.

Origins of alight

from Old English 'a-,' meaning 'down,' and 'lihtan,' meaning 'to make light'

📌

Summary: alight in Brief

The verb 'alight' [əˈlaɪt] has three main meanings: to get off a vehicle, to descend from an animal, and to come down from a height or position. It is often used formally in contexts like transportation or equestrianism, as in 'The passengers alighted from the bus' or 'She alighted from her horse and walked to the gate.' 'Alight' can also be used in phrases like 'settle alight,' meaning to catch fire, and 'alight with joy,' meaning to be filled with happiness or excitement.