enlighten

[ en-lahyt-n ]

verb (used with object)

1. to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to:

   We hope the results of our research will enlighten our colleagues.

   Synonyms: inform, teach, edify, illumine

   Antonyms: puzzle, perplex, confuse, mystify

2. Archaic. to shed light upon.

enlighten

/ ɪnˈlaɪtən /

verb

1. to give information or understanding to; instruct; edify
2. to free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition
3. to give spiritual or religious revelation to
4. poetic.
   to shed light on

Derived Forms

• enˈlightening, adjective
• enˈlightener, noun

Other Words From

• en·light·ened·ly adverb
• en·light·ened·ness noun
• en·light·en·er noun
• non·en·light·ened adjective
• pre·en·light·en verb (used with object)
• pre·en·light·en·er noun
• re·en·light·en verb (used with object)
• un·en·light·ened adjective
• well-en·light·ened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enlighten¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English enli(g)htenen; en- ¹, lighten ¹

Example Sentences

If you’re wondering what the Jane’s Addiction split and Walt Whitman’s groundbreaking “Leaves of Grass” have in common, allow rocker Dave Navarro to enlighten you.

From Los Angeles Times

“All right, enlighten me. What problem haven’t I solved?”

From Literature

“As a producer of #Immaculate, I’ll enlighten Ms. Baum that two-time Emmy nominee Sydney Sweeney is not only one of the most talented actresses I’ve worked with, but also incredibly smart, kind and humble,” the “Mudbound” and “Imitation Game” producer tweeted.

From Los Angeles Times

“I believe Earlonne will continue to educate, enlighten and enrich the lives of his peers at San Quentin and the many, many people who listen faithfully to ‘Ear Hustle,’” Brown wrote in 2018.

From Los Angeles Times

So why then would Facebook have initially blocked posts about a drama that is trying to enlighten the public about what even the Department of Homeland Security acknowledges as one of the gravest threats facing the nation?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquaint
• advise
• civilize
• edify
• educate
• inform
• uplift