How Do You Spell ALIGHT?

Pronunciation: [ɐlˈa͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "alight" is pronounced /əˈlaɪt/ and is commonly misspelled as "alite" or "allight". The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the first syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/. The second syllable contains the diphthong /aɪ/ which makes the "a" sound like the long "i" sound. The final "t" is pronounced with a voiceless consonant sound. To remember the correct spelling, think of the phrase "a light foot" because "alight" means to descend from a vehicle or to settle on a surface gently.

ALIGHT Meaning and Definition

  1. Alight is a verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context. One definition of alight is to descend or come down to the ground after being in the air, typically referring to birds, insects, or objects in flight. For instance, a bird might alight on a tree branch or an airplane might alight on a runway.

    Another definition of alight is to get off or step down from a vehicle, such as a bus, train, or bicycle. In this sense, alight refers to the action of leaving or disembarking from a mode of transportation.

    Alight can also be used to describe something being lit up or illuminated, often momentarily. For example, a room might be alight with candles or a firework might alight the night sky.

    Additionally, alight can be an adjective used to describe something that is on fire or burning. For instance, a building might be described as alight during a fire.

    In a broader sense, alight can be used metaphorically to describe a feeling or idea that has captured someone's attention or imagination, as in "Her eyes were alight with excitement." This usage suggests a brightened or enlivened state.

    Overall, alight encompasses various notions related to coming down, disembarking, being illuminated, burning, or capturing attention.

  2. To get or come down; to settle on, as birds.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ALIGHT

Etymology of ALIGHT

The word "alight" originates from the Old English word "ǣlīhtan", which is a combination of the prefix "ǣ-" (meaning "un-" or "away") and the verb "līhtan" (meaning "to relieve" or "to make lighter"). Over time, the meaning of "ǣlīhtan" transformed into "to stop where one intends to stay" or "to descend from a vehicle or horse". Eventually, this evolved into the modern usage of "alight" meaning "to come down or get off (a vehicle)".

Idioms with the word ALIGHT

  • alight from sth The idiom "alight from sth" refers to the act of getting off or exiting a particular mode of transportation, such as a bus, train, or car. It signifies the action of disembarking or stepping down from the vehicle to reach one's desired destination.
  • alight (up)on sm or sth The idiom "alight (up)on someone or something" means to suddenly discover or come across someone or something, typically by chance or accident. It implies finding an answer, solution, or idea unexpectedly.
  • set the world alight The idiom "set the world alight" means to achieve great success or create a strong impact on a global scale. It describes someone or something that generates a significant and widespread level of interest, admiration, or attention.
  • alight from The idiom "alight from" means to disembark or get off a vehicle or mode of transportation. It is often used to describe the action of stepping down or exiting a bus, train, or any other form of transport.
  • alight (up)on The idiom "alight (up)on" means to come across or discover something by chance or by searching. It refers to the act of finding or encountering something unexpectedly or unintentionally.
  • alight from something The idiom "alight from something" means to step down or disembark from a vehicle or mode of transportation. It typically refers to the action of getting off a bus, car, train, or any other form of transportation.
  • alight (up)on someone or something The idiom "alight (up)on someone or something" means to suddenly focus or fix one's attention on someone or something, usually because they or it attracts interest or stands out in some way. It implies a sudden recognition, discovery, or realization of significance.
  • not set the world alight The idiom "not set the world alight" means that something or someone fails to generate great excitement, enthusiasm, or interest. It suggests mediocrity or a lack of exceptional performance.
  • set the world alight (or on fire) The idiom "set the world alight" or "set the world on fire" means to achieve great success or create a significant impact that captures widespread attention and admiration. It implies doing something remarkable or outstanding that leaves a lasting impression and generates significant excitement or enthusiasm.
  • alight on The idiom "alight on" means to find or settle upon an idea, solution, or decision, usually after considering various options or possibilities.
  • set the heather alight The idiom "set the heather alight" means to create a sensation, excitement, or enthusiasm. It refers to an act that ignites a positive response and generates a high level of energy or interest among people. It is often used to describe an individual or event that captures the attention and sparks a significant impact or reaction.
  • set the Thames alight The idiom "set the Thames alight" means to achieve something remarkable or extraordinary that captures the attention and admiration of a large audience or public. It is often used to describe an outstanding achievement or an act of great success that surpasses expectations. The phrase originates from the River Thames in London, which is historically significant and well-known, thus implying that achieving something remarkable enough to set the river on fire would be a momentous feat.

Similar spelling words for ALIGHT

Conjugate verb Alight

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have alighted
you would have alighted
he/she/it would have alighted
we would have alighted
they would have alighted
I would have alight
you would have alight
he/she/it would have alight
we would have alight
they would have alight

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been alighting
you would have been alighting
he/she/it would have been alighting
we would have been alighting
they would have been alighting

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would alight
you would alight
he/she/it would alight
we would alight
they would alight

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be alighting
you would be alighting
he/she/it would be alighting
we would be alighting
they would be alighting

FUTURE

I will alight
you will alight
he/she/it will alight
we will alight
they will alight

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be alighting
you will be alighting
he/she/it will be alighting
we will be alighting
they will be alighting

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have alighted
you will have alighted
he/she/it will have alighted
we will have alighted
they will have alighted
I will have alit
we will have alit
you will have alit
he/she/it will have alit
they will have alit

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been alighting
you will have been alighting
he/she/it will have been alighting
we will have been alighting
they will have been alighting

IMPERATIVE

you alight
we let´s alight

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to alight

PAST

I alit
we alit
you alit
he/she/it alit
they alit
I alighted
you alighted
he/she/it alighted
we alighted
they alighted

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was alighting
you were alighting
he/she/it was alighting
we were alighting
they were alighting

PAST PARTICIPLE

alighted; alit
alighted

PAST PERFECT

I had alighted
you had alighted
he/she/it had alighted
we had alighted
they had alighted
I had alit
we had alit
you had alit
he/she/it had alit
they had alit

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been alighting
you had been alighting
he/she/it had been alighting
we had been alighting
they had been alighting

PRESENT

I alight
you alight
he/she/it alights
we alight
they alight

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am alighting
you are alighting
he/she/it is alighting
we are alighting
they are alighting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

alighting

PRESENT PERFECT

I have alighted
you have alighted
he/she/it has alighted
we have alighted
they have alighted
I have alit
we have alit
you have alit
he/she/it has alit
they have alit

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been alighting
you have been alighting
he/she/it has been alighting
we have been alighting
they have been alighting

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it alight

SIMPLE PAST

I alighted; alit
you alighted; alit
he/she/it alighted; alit
we alighted; alit
they alighted; alit
I would have alit
we would have alit
you would have alit
he/she/it would have alit
they would have alit

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