SYNONYMS | EXAMPLES | WORD ORIGIN verb (used with object) to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to: We hope the results of our research will enlighten our colleagues. Archaic to shed light upon. Origin of enlighten First recorded in
1350–1400, enlighten is from the
Middle English word
enli(g)htenen. See
en-1 ,
lighten1 Related forms en·light·ened·ly , adverb en·light·ened·ness , noun en·light·en·er , noun en·light·en·ing·ly , adverb non·en·light·ened , adjective non·en·light·en·ing , adjective pre·en·light·en , verb (used with object) pre·en·light·en·er , noun re·en·light·en , verb (used with object) un·en·light·ened , adjective un·en·light·en·ing , adjective well-en·light·ened , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for enlightened open-minded ,
literate ,
sophisticated ,
civilized ,
reasonable ,
knowledgeable ,
liberal ,
cultivated ,
savvy ,
sharp ,
learned ,
refined ,
aware ,
broad-minded Examples from the Web for enlightened Contemporary Examples of enlightened Fully enlightened beings may be avatars, incarnations of various deities.
He was a dictator, to be sure, but also an enlightened reformer.
But now their country has an enlightened policy about paid leave.
A precocious talent, he was nurtured by enlightened teachers in London and then discovered California.
And the solution involves a re-education of males, including those of us who consider ourselves progressive and enlightened .
Historical Examples of enlightened Listening to her I was no longer the enlightened , the creedless man.
Called "trousers" by the enlightened and "pants" by the unworthy.
Such were the remarks of my amiable and enlightened father-in-law!
He possessed a soul brave, liberal, enlightened , and ingenuous.
Her liberal principles and her enlightened views are acknowledged by all.
British Dictionary definitions for enlightened adjective factually well-informed, tolerant of alternative opinions, and guided by rational thought an enlightened administration ; enlightened self-interest
privy to or claiming a sense of spiritual or religious revelation of truth the search for an enlightened spiritual master
Show More
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
Show More
Derived Forms enlightener , noun enlightening , 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 .
Show More
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 .
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
