English Language

The word alight is almost never heard in the United States, but is commonly used on the London transport system. The word has an interesting etymological history: it means to dismount from a horse or vehicle. On the tube in London, the word is frequently used to tell people where to exit the subway for various sites (e.g. “Alight here for Royal Albert Hall”). The word comes from old English (alighten) meaning to relieve of weight.