to get off a bus, train, or other vehicle, to descend from a horse or other animal, to come down from a height or position

settle alight, alight with joy, alight on something

Formal and Informal Expressions of alight

In different contexts, you can replace 'alight' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'disembark, dismount' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'get off, hop off' is a commonplace synonym.

alight: Explore its Definition & Usage

alight Definition

1to get off a bus, train, or other vehicle
2to descend from a horse or other animal
3to 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

Antonyms for alight

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.