definitions

enlighten

[ en-lahyt-n ]
/ ɛnˈlaɪt n /
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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.

RELATED WORDS

informative, instructional, instructive, broadening, civilizing, edifying, refining, learned, enriching, uplifting, cultural, educative, illuminative, scholarly, scholastic

Nearby words

enl., enlace, enlarge, enlargement, enlarger, enlighten, enlightened, enlightenment, enlil, enlist, enlisted

Origin of enlighten

First recorded in 1350–1400, enlighten is from the Middle English word enli(g)htenen. See en-1, lighten1
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for enlightening

British Dictionary definitions for enlightening

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 enlightening

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper