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

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If enlightening, it is called “having an epiphany.”

Read more on Literature

If Spain in the 1930s may look racially homogeneous from our supposedly enlightened point of view, Kaufman indirectly makes the point that such definitions are always subjective, and subject to historical revision.

Read more on Salon

Lily-May, 18, also from Shimna Integrated College, said while it was "enlightening" meeting other young people passionate about the climate, most of her peers are "not really engaged".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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