enlighten

[en-lahyt-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.

enlighten

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of enlighten¹

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

Example Sentences

Funny side characters—the enlightened mom who looks down on people who use diapers; the chatty wife who will not stop talking about her husband’s vasectomy—fill out a believable cast.

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It’s too early, really, to tell if its unorthodox approach to art and art history is more disruptive than enlightening.

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Ultimately, the Sherlock actor wants "people to take enjoyment out of it" and doesn't want an audience to see this as a play that's good for them, but one that's interesting and enlightening.

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More likely, they aim to attract tourists, spur economic growth, and burnish their reputations as fun and enlightened places.

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The nonprofit White House Historical Association has an enlightening essay on the subject, written by the group’s president, Stewart McLaurin.

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Related Words

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