To illuminate means to light up something, either physically or figuratively, and make it brighter and more visible. Here are some different ways in which the term is used:

• To supply with light: Illuminate can mean to supply or brighten something with light. For example, "The streets were illuminated with strings of colored lights".

• To make clear: Illuminate can also mean to make something clear or easier to understand. For instance, "A university study has illuminated the problem".

• To decorate: Illuminate can refer to decorating something with bright colors, gold, or silver. For example, "Monks illuminated manuscripts with colors like gold, silver, bright red, and blue".

• To enlighten: Illuminate can mean to enlighten someone spiritually or intellectually. For instance, "The lecture was very illuminating".

Overall, the term illuminate has a variety of meanings, but they all involve making something brighter, clearer, or more visible in some way.