scroll https://www.minds.com/curryhobo/images?layout=grid illuminate (v.) c. 1500, "to light up, shine on," a back-formation from Latin illuminatus "light up, make light, illuminate." Earlier was enlumyen (late 14c.) "decorate written material by hand with gold, silver, or bright colors," Late Latin inluminare; also illumine (late 14c.). Related: Illuminated; illuminating; illuminable, illustration