enlightening

American  

[en-lahyt-n-ing] / ɛnˈlaɪt n ɪŋ /

adjective

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• enlighteningly adverb
• nonenlightening adjective
• unenlightening adjective

Etymology

Origin of enlightening

First recorded in 1570–80; enlighten ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

But he knows that, if a critic can’t draw enlightening connections, attribution is only a parlor game.

From The Wall Street Journal

This gives the sheriff opportunities for enlightening visits with his grandfather.

From The Wall Street Journal

Throughout, she and Ms. Halvorson create delightful sonic contrasts; it’s like seeing someone wear fabrics and patterns that should clash but instead work together to enlightening effect.

From The Wall Street Journal

The view from above was enlightening, almost clinical.

From The Wall Street Journal

Our critic said “There is much an average American doesn’t remember or wasn’t ever taught about the Revolution, and the Burns-Botstein-Schmidt review is certainly enlightening.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• informative
• instructional
• instructive