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
Not to foreshadow the end of Dellinger, but there was this great message that the enlightened are not welcome here.
—
Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
Thank you, Dan, for enlightening readers with your bird’s eye views of Maryland whether the view was from a nearby Baltimore stoop or the more distant wild and scenic Youghiogheny River in Western Maryland.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2025
This year events will enlighten educators on topics from identifying media bias to understanding journalism responsibility to keep institutions accountable.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
So please, Democratic politicians, enlighten me as to where any of you have a political leg to stand on?
—Michelle Jefferson, Baltimore Sun, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for enlighten 
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Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
Thank you, Dan, for enlightening readers with your bird’s eye views of Maryland whether the view was from a nearby Baltimore stoop or the more distant wild and scenic Youghiogheny River in Western Maryland.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2025
This year events will enlighten educators on topics from identifying media bias to understanding journalism responsibility to keep institutions accountable.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
So please, Democratic politicians, enlighten me as to where any of you have a political leg to stand on?
—Michelle Jefferson, Baltimore Sun, 10 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 1 Feb. 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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