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

• inform
• tell
• advise
• instruct

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

Maybe by sharing their creative talents or bright ideas to entertain or enlighten us. —Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025

In all, these are mesmerizing, funny, affecting, and enlightening literary exchanges. —Donna Seaman june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025

But the experience hasn’t left him especially enlightened. —Anita Snow, Boston Herald, 13 June 2025

As finance bros go, he's enlightened, self-deprecating, and self-aware enough to transcend the implications of that world. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for enlighten

• exciton
• brighten
• chitin
• frighten
• heighten
• lighten
• phaeton
• tighten
• titan
• triton
• whiten
• periphyton

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