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

Many who do, such as Dan Aykroyd, say very nice things that are insubstantial; Ryan Reynolds is one of the few who comment critically on Mr. Chase’s comedic style, which is highly enlightening.

From The Wall Street Journal

By the accession of Leopold II in 1790, an empire based on a “feudal hierarchy of status” found itself in the age of Romantic nationalism, democracy and “enlightened ridicule.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Soelberg told his son that the chatbot, which he named Bobby and talked to on his smartphone, said he was enlightened and had a divine purpose.

From The Wall Street Journal

“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

Related Words

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