Dictionary.com

enlightening

[ en-lahyt-n-ing ]
/ ɛnˈlaɪt n ɪŋ /
Save This Word!

adjective
informative, instructive, or eye-opening; giving intellectual or spiritual light: You are encouraged to watch this very enlightening video to better understand what small family farms are up against.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of enlightening

First recorded in 1570–80; enlighten + -ing2

OTHER WORDS FROM enlightening

en·light·en·ing·ly, adverbnon·en·light·en·ing, adjectiveun·en·light·en·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use enlightening in a sentence

FEEDBACK