enlighten

American  

[en-lahyt-n] / ɛnˈlaɪt n /

verb (used with object)

1. to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to.

   We hope the results of our research will enlighten our colleagues.

   Synonyms:

   inform , teach , edify , illumine

   Antonyms:

   puzzle , perplex , confuse , mystify

2. Archaic.  to shed light upon.

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enlighten British  

/ ɪnˈlaɪtən /

verb

1. to give information or understanding to; instruct; edify

2. to free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition

3. to give spiritual or religious revelation to

4. poetic  to shed light on

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Other Word Forms

• enlightenedly adverb
• enlightenedness noun
• enlightener noun
• enlightening adjective
• nonenlightened adjective
• preenlighten verb (used with object)
• preenlightener noun
• reenlighten verb (used with object)
• unenlightened adjective
• well-enlightened adjective

Etymology

Origin of enlighten

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English enli(g)htenen; en- ¹, lighten ¹

Example Sentences

“I believe that it enlightened, lit a fire under the guys,” DiGiorgio said, “to be a little excited for this week.”

From Los Angeles Times

For 18th-century enlightened reformers, ethnic diversity and multiculturalism weren’t good things.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mammoth has long prided itself on an enlightened approach to wildlife, accepting it as part of our daily lives.

From Los Angeles Times

Not that Matthias has been in any way enlightened by his own experience of xenophobia.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he didn’t train Davis for a knockout, he trained him to punish Garcia and enlighten the division about exactly who Davis was.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquaint
• advise
• civilize
• edify
• educate
• inform
• uplift