Etymology
"Alight" comes from the Middle English word "alighten," which is a combination of:
Meaning
"Alight" means "to get off" (a vehicle, horse, etc.) or "to come down" (from a height).
Origin
The word "light" in "alight" comes from the Proto-Germanic root "*lehtaw-," which also gave rise to the English words "light" (as in "not dark") and "levity."
Historical Usage
The word "alight" has been used in English since the 13th century. In earlier times, it was often used in the context of dismounting from a horse. Over time, its usage broadened to include any form of getting off or down from a higher elevation.
Modern Usage
Today, "alight" is primarily used in formal or poetic contexts, as well as in certain specific situations, such as when disembarking from a plane or train.
Etymology Middle English ablasen from Old English on blæse on a blaze Old English
Etymology The word blaze comes from the Middle English word blase meaning a flame
Etymology The word afire is derived from the Middle English word on fire which is i
Etymology The word fire comes from the Old English fīr which is ultimately derived
Etymology The word light comes from the Old English word liht meaning bright or
Etymology The word light comes from the Old English word liht meaning bright or
Etymology Middle English perche from Old French Old French perche from Late Latin L
Etymology The word inflammable is derived from the Latin word inflammare meaning to
Etymology The word flame comes from the Old English word fleame which meant a smal
Etymology Middle English settelen from Old English setlan from Proto Germanic satli
Etymology Middle English fallen Old English feallan Proto Germanic fallaną Meani
Etymology Old English land Proto Germanic landuz Indo European lendh to li
Etymology Old French descendre Latin descendere De down scandere to climb Me
