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to light up
01
to make something bright by means of color or light
Transitive: to light up sth
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Separable
Particle
up
Base verb
light
Present tense
light up
3rd person singular
lights up
Present participle
lighting up
Past simple
lit up
Past participle
lit up
Examples
The Christmas tree lights twinkled brightly, lighting up the living room with a warm, festive glow.
1.1
to become bright by means of color or light
Intransitive
Examples
The stage lit up as the spotlight shone on the lead actor, ready for her big entrance.
02
to begin burning, producing visible flames and releasing heat
Intransitive
Examples
The candle wick lights up as the flame touches it.
2.1
to cause something to start burning brightly
Transitive: to light up sth
Examples
She lit the candles up with a lighter.
03
to start smoking a cigarette
Transitive: to light up a cigarette
Examples
The social smoker lit up a cigarette after dinner, joining in the conversation with friends.
04
to show happiness or excitement through a noticeable change in one's facial expression or demeanor
Intransitive
Examples
I can't wait to see her face light up when she receives the news.
4.1
to bring liveliness, joy, or happiness to someone's expression
Transitive: to light up someone's expression
Examples
The surprise announcement of a promotion lit up his face with pure joy.
