enlighten

verb

en·​light·​en in-ˈlī-tᵊn 

en-

enlightened; enlightening in-ˈlīt-niŋ 

-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ,

en-

transitive verb

1

a

: to furnish knowledge to : instruct

enlightened us about the problem

b

: to give spiritual insight to

2

archaic : illuminate

Synonyms

• acquaint
• advise
• apprise
• brief
• catch up
• clear
• clue (in)
• familiarize
• fill in
• hip
• inform
• instruct
• tell
• verse
• wise (up)

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

Suavecito also adds a touch of unfermented agave nectar to take the bite off the spirit, inspired by Dr. Luis Ramirez, who helped the Fosses establish their farm and enlightened them to agave nectar. —Tiney Ricciardi, The Denver Post, 1 May 2024

Surround yourself with people who enlighten you, but don’t buy into or pay for someone pressuring you for a financial contribution. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids 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

-ᵊn-mənt

noun