enlighten

non·en·light·ened, adjectivenon·en·light·en·ing, adjectivepre·en·light·en, verb (used with object)pre·en·light·en·er, nounre·en·light·en, verb (used with object)un·en·light·ened, adjectiveun·en·light·en·ing, adjectivewell-en·light·ened, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for enlightened

Fully enlightened beings may be avatars, incarnations of various deities.
Is India’s Fallen ‘God-Man’ So Different From a Megachurch Pastor?|Jay Michaelson|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He was a dictator, to be sure, but also an enlightened reformer.
Napoleon Was a Dynamite Dictator|J.P. O’Malley|November 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But now their country has an enlightened policy about paid leave.
Obama’s Extravagant Summer Break? More Like, America’s Vacation-Deficit Disorder|Clive Irving|August 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A precocious talent, he was nurtured by enlightened teachers in London and then discovered California.
A British Start to the Tour de France Forces the English to Wonder: What Does Being English Mean Anymore?|Clive Irving|July 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

And the solution involves a re-education of males, including those of us who consider ourselves progressive and enlightened.
#YesAllWomen Should Have the Church On Their Side|Gene Robinson|June 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In these men China lost two of her most capable and enlightened officials.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 2|Various
That Columbine would have enlightened her had she done so was exceedingly doubtful.
The Tidal Wave and Other Stories|Ethel May Dell
It was enlightened reason and patriotism gaining a victory over popular passions, over the assumptions of a State.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume XI|John Lord
Two anatomists became famous through the investigations they were permitted to make under the patronage of the enlightened ruler.
A History of Science, Volume 1(of 5)|Henry Smith Williams
Local jealousies are rapidly yielding to more generous, enlarged, and enlightened views of national policy.
A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents|James D. Richardson

British Dictionary definitions for enlightened

enlightened

/ (ɪnˈlaɪtənd) /

adjective

factually well-informed, tolerant of alternative opinions, and guided by rational thoughtan enlightened administration; enlightened self-interest

privy to or claiming a sense of spiritual or religious revelation of truththe search for an enlightened spiritual master

enlighten

/ (ɪnˈlaɪtən) /

verb (tr)

to give information or understanding to; instruct; edify

to free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition

to give spiritual or religious revelation to

poetic to shed light on

Derived Formsenlightener, nounenlightening, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for enlightened

enlightened

adj.

1630s, "illuminated;" 1660s in the sense "well-informed;" past participle adjective from enlighten.

enlighten

late 14c., "to remove the dimness or blindness (usually figurative) from one's eyes or heart;" see en- (1) + lighten. Old English had inlihtan. Related: Enlightened; enlightening.