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 of enlighten

• 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

To read the popular press of the time is not invariably to be impressed by the sober and enlightened attitude of that era’s journalists. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

There are probably people who believe this political football paints Republicans who promote Columbus Day as racists and Democrats who promote Indigenous Peoples' Day as enlightened. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Throughout the year, true-blue cineastes of all ages venture here to enlighten and expand their global movie knowledge. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 Sep. 2026

Some wore Hurricanes’ gear, enlightening those who wondered if anyone actually wore such attire. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

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