enlighten
verb (used with object)
to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to.
was enlightening
-
past progressiveof enlighten.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 view from above was enlightening, almost clinical.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 15, 2026
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 ● Nov. 12, 2025
Literature, especially when the prose was enlightening and also jumped from the page, I felt would inspire me.
From Salon ● May 8, 2025
To see these women succeed despite a society “that’s pushing against you and a society that’s predominately male … was enlightening, encouraging and just empowering,” Holman said.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 4, 2022
While Tilly was enlightening him upon this point, Tom's voice was heard saying, "Oh, here they are," and Tom himself came round the clump of sheltering bushes accompanied by Peggy.
From A Flock of Girls and Boys by Nora Perry
