enlighten
verb
en·light·en
in-ˈlī-tᵊn 
en-
enlightened; enlightening
in-ˈlīt-niŋ
-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ,
en-
1
a
: to furnish knowledge to : instruct
enlightened us about the problem
b
: to give spiritual insight to
2
archaic
: illuminate
Synonyms
Examples of enlighten in a Sentence
I don't understand what's going on; can someone please enlighten me?
the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries
Recent Examples on the Web
This year, photojournalists across the USA TODAY Network have captured these slices of time, moments that enlightened our curiosity and captivated our attention.
—
Visual Editors, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
For readers drawn to literature that challenges, enlightens, and resonates with the current cultural moment, James is essential.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
These sites carefully cull and cultivate information, not to enlighten but to reinforce and deepen existing points of view.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Dec. 2024
To take the pressure out of having to hold up a book for a long period of time and enlighten an avid reader to a liberating hands-free experience, consider giving the gift of a Book Seat.
—Carina Brackett, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
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Visual Editors, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
For readers drawn to literature that challenges, enlightens, and resonates with the current cultural moment, James is essential.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 20 Dec. 2024
These sites carefully cull and cultivate information, not to enlighten but to reinforce and deepen existing points of view.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Dec. 2024
To take the pressure out of having to hold up a book for a long period of time and enlighten an avid reader to a liberating hands-free experience, consider giving the gift of a Book Seat.
—Carina Brackett, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enlighten
Dictionary Entries Near enlighten
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlighten. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
enlighten
verb
en·light·en
in-ˈlīt-ᵊn
enlightened; enlightening
-ˈlīt-niŋ
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to give knowledge or understanding to : instruct
enlightened us about the problem
enlightenment
noun
-ᵊn-mənt
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