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

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

It is militarily, politically and even intellectually enlightening, but is more deliberately about selflessness and valor, not an inappropriate offering for Veterans Day.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s too early, really, to tell if its unorthodox approach to art and art history is more disruptive than enlightening.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• informative
• instructional
• instructive