enlighten

verb

en·​light·​en in-ˈlī-tᵊn How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
en-
enlightened; enlightening in-ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
-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

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 Think carefully about how your content will educate, entertain, or enlighten. Jon Stojan, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 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? Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 The supply shortages experienced by U.S. retailers during the past few years have enlightened them about the flexibility of sources beyond Novolex. Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 In less than a full year of operations, Webb has already dazzled and enlightened us. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2024 Like him, the performers know firsthand the power of music, dance, theater and other art forms to uplift and unify, entertain and enlighten, create joy and invite contemplation. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024 Media entities like Essence ensure that happens by lifting their voices and stories for an audience to be enlightened. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 7 Feb. 2024 So if the notion of a cemetery for a treasured dog or even cat strikes you as unusual, or maybe even odd, then prepare to be enlightened. Matt Keenan, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2024 So as DeSantis returns to the Sunshine State, let his calamitous campaign enlighten your brand marketing strategies. Adam Hanft, Fortune, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enlighten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlighten was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near enlighten

Cite this Entry

“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlighten. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

enlighten

verb
en·​light·​en in-ˈlīt-ᵊn How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
enlightened; enlightening -ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to give knowledge or understanding to : instruct
enlightened us about the problem
enlightenment
-ᵊn-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enlighten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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