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enlighten

[en-lahyt-n]
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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.
  2. Archaic. to shed light upon.
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Origin of enlighten

First recorded in 1350–1400, enlighten is from the Middle English word enli(g)htenen. See en-1, lighten1
Related formsen·light·ened·ly, adverben·light·ened·ness, nounen·light·en·er, nounen·light·en·ing·ly, adverbnon·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

Synonyms

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1. illumine, edify, teach, inform.

Antonyms

1. mystify, confuse, perplex, puzzle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

open-minded, literate, sophisticated, civilized, reasonable, knowledgeable, liberal, cultivated, savvy, sharp, learned, refined, aware, broad-minded

Examples from the Web for enlightened

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • Listening to her I was no longer the enlightened, the creedless man.

    Green Mansions

    W. H. Hudson

  • Called "trousers" by the enlightened and "pants" by the unworthy.

  • He possessed a soul brave, liberal, enlightened, and ingenuous.

  • Such were the remarks of my amiable and enlightened father-in-law!

  • Her liberal principles and her enlightened views are acknowledged by all.

    Vivian Grey

    Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli

British Dictionary definitions for enlightened

enlightened

adjective
  1. factually well-informed, tolerant of alternative opinions, and guided by rational thoughtan enlightened administration; enlightened self-interest
  2. privy to or claiming a sense of spiritual or religious revelation of truththe search for an enlightened spiritual master
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enlighten

verb (tr)
  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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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

adj.

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

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enlighten

v.

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.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper