Showing results for "enlightening"

• present participle of enlighten.

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

• nonenlightening
  adjective
• unenlightening
  adjective
• enlighteningly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of enlightening

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

enlightening

Yes, a book about the history of the bond market can be entertaining and enlightening.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

Nevertheless, it’s an enlightening read in light of how dramatically war has changed in the last two-and-a-half centuries.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026

"Together, these records offer a more complex and enlightening account of the Revolution, showing how its consequences were felt far beyond the Thirteen Colonies," Cunningham added.

From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026

But the Glass year is already officially underway with two curiously enlightening projects this month.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

I daresay my education here has been more than a little enlightening.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• informative
• instructional
• instructive