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

The view from above was enlightening, almost clinical.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many who do, such as Dan Aykroyd, say very nice things that are insubstantial; Ryan Reynolds is one of the few who comment critically on Mr. Chase’s comedic style, which is highly enlightening.

From The Wall Street Journal

If enlightening, it is called “having an epiphany.”

From Literature

Lily-May, 18, also from Shimna Integrated College, said while it was "enlightening" meeting other young people passionate about the climate, most of her peers are "not really engaged".

From BBC

Mr. Kurlansky has nevertheless produced an enlightening and entertaining portrait of a community that deserves to be better remembered and understood, and that embodied, within its limitations, the best kind of American idealism.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• informative
• instructional
• instructive