Radiate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adjective /ˈrā-dē-ˌāt/ (verb) /ˈrā-dē-ət/ (adjective) ra·di·ate

Meaning & Definition of Radiate

Radiate (verb)

  1. to proceed in a direct line from or toward a center
  2. to send out rays, shine brightly
  3. to issue in or as if in rays

Radiate (adjective)

  1. having rays or radial parts
  2. having ray flowers
  3. characterized by radial symmetry, radially symmetrical

Radiate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to extend outwards from or as if from a central point

    "the heat radiating from the fire"

    "the spokes of a bicycle wheel radiate from the hub towards the rim"

    similar: branch, fan (out), ray
    related: diffuse, dispel, disperse, dissipate, fork, stem, diverge, divide, part, ramify, separate, split, uncouple, unlink, unyoke, scatter, splay, spread, arise, derive, emanate, flow, issue, proceed, spring
    opposite: concentrate, converge, focus, funnel, meet
    near: approach, close in (on), near, center (on), centralize, connect, couple, join, link, unite

  2. to emit rays of light

    "fireflies give off their light by means of a chemical reaction that causes their abdomens to radiate"

    similar: beam, ray, shine
    related: blaze, burn, fire, flame, gleam, glimmer, glint, glisten, glister, glitter, glow, luminesce, sheen, shimmer, blink, coruscate, flare, flash, flicker, luster, scintillate, spangle, sparkle, twinkle, wink, winkle, beat (down), glare, brighten, illuminate, illumine, irradiate, light, lighten, bedazzle, blind, daze, dazzle
    near: blacken, darken, lower

  3. to throw or give off

    "the sun radiates tiny amounts of energy in the form of microwaves"

    similar: cast, discharge, emanate, emit, evolve, exhale, expel, expire (archaic), give out, irradiate, issue, release, send (out), shoot, throw out, vent
    related: eliminate, evacuate, excrete, exude, ooze, secrete, eject, erupt, gush, jet, outpour, pour, spew, spout, spray, spurt, squirt
    near: absorb, inhale, soak (up), sponge, suck (up), take up

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Radiate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Radiate:

Archaic: expire
branch, fan (out), ray, beam, shine, cast, discharge, emanate, emit, evolve, exhale, expel, give out, irradiate, issue, release, send (out), shoot, throw out, vent

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Radiate

Words with the opposite meaning of Radiate:

concentrate, converge, focus, funnel, meet

Related Words for Radiate

diffuse, dispel, disperse, dissipate, fork, stem, diverge, divide, part, ramify, separate, split, uncouple, unlink, unyoke, scatter, splay, spread, arise, derive, flow, proceed, spring, blaze, burn, fire, flame, gleam, glimmer, glint

Near Antonyms of Radiate

approach, close in (on), near, center (on), centralize, connect, couple, join, link, unite, blacken, darken, lower, absorb, inhale, soak (up), sponge, suck (up), take up

Word Forms of Radiate

Inflections: radiated, radiating

Derived words: radiately (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Radiate

Latin radiatus, past participle of radiare, from radius ray

First known use: 1598i

Frequently Asked Questions about Radiate

What does "Radiate" mean?

"Radiate" means to proceed in a direct line from or toward a center. As an a verb and an adjective, it is defined as: to proceed in a direct line from or toward a center. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Radiate"?

Other words for "Radiate" include branch, fan (out), ray, beam, shine, cast, discharge and emanate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Radiate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Radiate"?

There are 98 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Radiate". Common alternatives include branch, fan (out), ray, beam, shine, cast, discharge, emanate, emit and evolve.

What is the opposite of "Radiate"?

Antonyms of "Radiate" include concentrate, converge, focus, funnel and meet. Near antonyms include approach, close in (on), near and center (on).

How do you use "Radiate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Radiate" in a sentence: "the heat radiating from the fire"; "the spokes of a bicycle wheel radiate from the hub towards the rim"; "fireflies give off their light by means of a chemical reaction that causes their abdomens to radiate".

Is "Radiate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Radiate" can be used as a verb and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Radiate"?

"Radiate" is pronounced /ˈrā-dē-ˌāt/ as a verb and /ˈrā-dē-ət/ as an adjective and divided into syllables as ra·di·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Radiate"?

"Radiate" comes from Latin radiatus, past participle of radiare, from radius ray. First known use: 1598i.