Definition of 'alight'

Word Frequency

alight

(əlaɪt )

Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense alights , present participle alighting , past tense, past participle alighted

1. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If something is alight, it is burning.

Several buildings were set alight.

The gas fire was still alight.

2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If someone's eyes are alight or if their face is alight, the expression in their eyes or on their face shows that they are feeling a strong emotion such as excitement or happiness.

[literary]

She paused and turned, her face alight with happiness. [+ with]

3. verb

If a bird or insect alights somewhere, it lands there.

[literary]

A thrush alighted on a branch of the pine tree. [VERB preposition/adverb]

Synonyms: land, light, settle, come down More Synonyms of alight

4. verb

When you alight from a train, bus, or other vehicle, you get out of it after a journey.

[formal]

Two men alighted from the vehicle. [VERB preposition/adverb]

[Also VERB]

Synonyms: get off, descend, get down, disembark More Synonyms of alight

5. verb

If someone alights on something, they suddenly see it, think of it, or take an interest in it.

[literary]

He would then suddenly alight on the tune he really wanted to play. [Von/upon n]

More Synonyms of alight

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Word Frequency

alight in British 1

(əˈlaɪt )

verbWord forms: alights, alighting, alighted or alit (intransitive)

1. (usually foll by from)

to step out (of) or get down (from)

to alight from a taxi

to come to rest; settle; land

a thrush alighted on the wall

Word origin of 'alight'

Old English ālīhtan, from a-2 + līhtan to make less heavy, from līht light2

Word Frequency

alight in British 2

(əˈlaɪt )

adjective, adverb (postpositive)

burning; on fire

illuminated; lit up

Word origin of 'alight'

Old English ālīht lit up, from ālīhtan to light up; see light1

Word Frequency

alight in American 1

(əˈlaɪt )

verb intransitiveWord forms: aˈlighted or aˈlit, aˈlighting

to get down or off; dismount

to come down after flight; descend and settle

3. Rare

to come (on or upon) accidentally

Word origin of 'alight'

ME alighten < OE ālīhtan < a-, out, off + līhtan, to dismount, render light < liht: see light2 (to dismount)

Word Frequency

alight in American 2

(əˈlaɪt )

adjective

lighted; burning

lighted up

Word origin of 'alight'

ME aliht, pp. of alihten < OE alihtan, to light up

Example sentences containing 'alight'

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They stole watches and cash from a safe and the pub was set alight as they fled. The Sun (2016)She turned to find her blouse had been set alight and had to frantically pat out the flames. The Sun (2016)Photographs also included the burnt patch of stubble in the field that had been set alight by the firing. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Residents said that fighters had fled, setting it alight as they did so. Times, Sunday Times (2017)If anyone is going to set this show alight now, it is him. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Put some fireworks into your plantings this week to set your plot alight with flaming flowers, foliage and fruits as winter approaches. The Sun (2016)As they poured themselves glasses of alcohol-free champagne, they covered the pile in petrol and set it alight. Times, Sunday Times (2016)An olive grove is alight, fire spreading in the dry heat, and the hillside is consumed by flames. Times, Sunday Times (2017)The songs failed to set the world alight, but they impressed Fleetwood enough for him to invite them to join the band. Times, Sunday Times (2017)But family folk groups do not normally set the charts alight. Times, Sunday Times (2007)