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

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Etymology

Origin of enlightening

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

enlightening

Gomide&Co has staged an enlightening booth that expands diasporic scholarship by looking at Asian artists working in Latin America.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 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

Alexander said: "It was the single most enlightening conversation I've had in the last month on trade so I see why you hold him in such high regard."

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026

During his voyage around the world, his encounters with natives had been startling and enlightening.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

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Related Words

• informative
• instructional
• instructive

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