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enlighten

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verb en·light·en \in-ˈlī-tən, en-\

Simple Definition of enlighten

  • : to give knowledge or understanding to (someone) : to explain something to (someone)

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of enlighten

enlightened

enlightening

play \-ˈlīt-niŋ, -tən-iŋ\
  1. transitive verb

  2. 1 archaic :  illuminate

  3. 2 a :  to furnish knowledge to :  instruct <enlightened us about the problem> b :  to give spiritual insight to

See enlighten defined for English-language learners

See enlighten defined for kids



Examples of enlighten in a sentence

  1. I don't understand what's going on; can someone please enlighten me?

  2. <the lecturer at the planetarium enlightened us about the latest astronomical discoveries>



1587

First Known Use of enlighten

1587

enlighten Synonyms

Synonyms
acquaint, advise, apprise

ENLIGHTEN Defined for Kids

enlighten

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verb en·light·en \in-ˈlī-tən\

Definition of enlighten for Students

enlightened

enlightening

  1. :  to give knowledge or understanding to <“Where is she now? Will someone please enlighten me?” — Brian Jacques, Redwall>



Learn More about enlighten

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enlighten Spanish Central: Translation of enlighten Nglish: Translation of enlighten for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of enlighten for Arabic speakers

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Examples: enlighten in a sentence