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

When you get a varied body of work, it can enlighten your own life in a way, and that’s a great feeling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 2026

So can you enlighten us as to the great wisdom Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito share in their own concurrences?

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2025

Because I break bread with and claim to be part of this marked construct, this otherness, complete with jail time within the carceral state, allow me to enlighten you.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2024

With the wisdom of age and the benefit of hindsight, Adam can finally come out to them, reckon with past wounds and enlighten them about shifting attitudes about queerness over the past few decades.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 1, 2023

Then, barely a month of saving later, Mr. Ostrowski saw fit to enlighten me about the truth of my great potential.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz

Related Words

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