verb

light

To descend and settle on a surface

A butterfly lights on the flower beside the path.

Etymology

The verb is associated with alighting, originally including dismounting. It describes coming down to rest on a surface, as a bird settles on a branch.

More examples

  • The bird lit on a branch.
  • Her gaze lighted on the old portrait.
  • The moth lighted on the curtain.

Forms

light · lights · lit · lighted · lighting

Similar words

alight
More specifically means landing or settling on a surface.