verb
alight
uh-LYTE/ʌlˈaɪt/
To descend from a higher position to rest on a surface.
A small bird alights on the branch above the fence.
Etymology
The underlying image appears to be getting down from a horse and thereby making its load lighter. That sense of dismounting extends to descending and touching down after flight.
In context
the headsman’s assistant who approached to assist her to alight from the cart
More examples
- The passengers alight from the train at the final stop.
- A butterfly alighted on her sleeve.
- The rider is alighting from his horse beside the gate.
Forms
alight · alights · alighted · alighting
Similar words
- land
- Broader; commonly describes aircraft as well as settling animals.
- disembark
- Specifically means leaving a vehicle, especially a ship or aircraft.