éclairer
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éclairer
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., acheter).
a. to light up
Les ampoules éclairent la pièce de manière uniforme.The light bulbs light up the room evenly.
b. to light
Le guide a éclairé le chemin avec une lampe de poche.The guide lit the way with a flashlight.
2. (figurative) (to make more cheerful)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
a. to light up (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
Sur cette vieille photo de ma mère, un sourire éclaire son visage.In this old photo of my mother, a smile lights up her face.
b. to brighten (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
Les visites de mes petits-enfants éclairent mes journées.Visits from my grandchildren brighten my days.
3. (figurative) (to inform)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
a. to enlighten
De nouvelles études nous éclairent sur les enjeux climatiques actuels.New research enlightens us on current climate issues.
4. (figurative) (to explain)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
a. to shed light on (idiom)
An idiom is a phrase with a meaning different from the literal meaning of the separate words that make it up (e.g., break a leg).
Le rapport officiel devrait éclairer la politique agricole européenne et ses répercussions à l'échelle nationale.The official report should shed light on European agricultural policy and its implications on a national level.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., éternuer.).
5. (to shine)
a. to light up
Si la lampe de poche n'éclaire plus, change les piles.If the flashlight no longer lights up, change the batteries.
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Il pleut en avril.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Mon père débranche toujours la télé quand il éclaire.My father always unplugs the TV when there's lightning.
Il y a eu un gros orage hier. Il a éclairé toute la nuit !There was a big thunderstorm yesterday. There was lightning all night!
Conjugations
Indicative of "éclairer"
Present | Imperfect | Past Historic | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| j' | ||||
| tu | ||||
| il/elle | ||||
| nous | ||||
| vous | ||||
| ils/elles |
Collins French Verb Conjugation Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2023
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