WordGarden.ioalight
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /əlˈaɪt/
US
- /əˈlaɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to get off a train, bus, or other vehicle
to come down and settle on something
Adjective
burning or set on fire
lit up or shining with light
Beyond the definition
"Alight" has a wonderfully dual nature. It works as a verb for coming down and landing—like a bird alighting on a branch—or, in more formal English, for getting off a bus, train, or horse. It also serves as an adjective meaning on fire or brightly lit—think of the night sky being "alight" with colorful fireworks.
The verb sense goes back to Old English, and the adjective sense naturally connects to "light" and fire. So next time you see a beautiful sunset, remember that the horizon can be alight with color. Or when you step off the bus, you are alighting—descending into your day.
"Alight" is a versatile word with two distinct meanings: to descend and settle (verb), or to be ignited and glowing (adjective). It's a bit like a chameleon, changing its role depending on how it's used.
When describing movement, "alight" can mean to get off something—a bus, train, or horse—especially in formal or British English. For example: "The passengers alighted from the train with their luggage." It can also describe a bird (or insect) gently landing: "A robin alighted on the windowsill." In these cases, think of "alighting" as a graceful descent and settling, often followed by "on/upon" for the landing place.
But "alight" also carries the meaning of being lit up or burning. Think of the night sky being "alight" with bursts of color, or a face "alight" with joy. You might also read about a building being "set alight"—meaning it was set on fire. Occasionally, the meanings cross over metaphorically, such as a spark alighting (landing) on dry kindling and starting a fire.
The connection between these meanings is elegant; it evokes images of both gentle landings and bright, fiery displays.
Examples
- 1
Public transport
Passengers for York should alight here.
- Usagealight here
a formal way to say "get off here"
- 2
Bird movement
A small bird alighted on the garden wall.
- 3
Emotional expression
His eyes were alight with curiosity as he opened the box.
- Patternalight with + feeling
bright and full of that feeling
- 4
Finding a solution
After hours of discussion, they finally alighted on a simple solution.
- Patternalight on + solution/idea
find or choose it after thinking
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- alightverbadjective
Forms
- alightedpast tenseverbadjective
- alighting-ing formverbadjective
- alitpast tensepast participleverbadjective
- alightsverbadjective