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 enlightening

But one of the most enlightening experiences was realizing how close all of this hits to home.
A Rallying Cry Against the Oversexualization of Our Youth|Darryl Roberts|November 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
All in all, it was about as enlightening and informative than your usual presidential press conference.
Fiscal Cliff, Day 27: #Stalemate|Daniel Gross|December 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Reading this revealing book was both upsetting and enlightening and made me proud of my father for his foresight and courage.
My Father's Peace Proposal|Raja Shehadeh|November 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Much looking forward to going on with what is apparently also a trenchant and enlightening book.
Book Bag: What Nick Harkaway Is Reading|Nick Harkaway|November 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST

That's great, governor--how about enlightening the rest of us?
Debate Liveblogging|Megan McArdle|October 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Finally, for the work of enlightening and rousing France to insurrection, only a sum of 100,000 francs was allowed.
History of the Commune of 1871|P. Lissagary
It was, apparently, the annihilation of the hope which I had, of enlightening myself by questioning this man.
Other People's Money|Emile Gaboriau
Great tragedies, cruel wars, cataclysms of woe, have acted as enlightening and refining agents.
History of the American Negro in the Great World War|W. Allison Sweeney
And he was going to pry a few enlightening answers out of somebody very soon.
The Time Traders|Andre Norton
Enlightening, instruction, was the general cry among the writers.
Proofs of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe|John Robison

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 Forms

enlightener, 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