enlighten
verb (used with object)
to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to.
has enlightened
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present perfectof enlighten (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The trend toward greater liberty and human rights that has enlightened the past half-century will peak and begin to recede.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 8, 2021
Four episodes in, “Bad Batch” has enlightened me more about fraudsters than science; future episodes may go further to sort out stem-cell fact from fiction.
From The New Yorker ● Nov. 5, 2019
She has enlightened so many people, which I am sure has benefitted so many families.
From New York Times ● Dec. 12, 2018
Academic input has enlightened discussions of climate change, pollinator declines, biomedical ethics and many other issues of crucial importance to the future of the United Kingdom and the wider world.
From Nature ● Mar. 1, 2016
Not much more than that stray glimmer has enlightened the old academic city even now; for none of the 197 energy and learned patience lavished daily on Pompeii has been expended here.
From Naples Past and Present by Arthur H. Norway
