enlightening

adjective

en·​light·​en·​ing in-ˈlīt-niŋ 

-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ, 

en-

: providing or tending to provide knowledge, understanding, or insight

a very enlightening discussion

… he takes readers on enlightening excursions through the nature of Judaism, Hegelian philosophy, wherever his curiosity heads.

—George Johnson

enlighteningly adverb

Synonyms of enlightening

• instructive
• informative
• educational
• educative
• instructional
• informational
• illuminating

Examples of enlightening in a Sentence

an enlightening pamphlet about the major changes that consumers can expect from their cable and Internet service providers

Recent Examples on the Web

This series is enlightening for Brown, Dolan and the Knicks front office responsible for firing Tom Thibodeau and settling on his replacement. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026

This makes the book enlightening but ultimately limited in its approach to understanding the pathologies of the present. —Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026

The fallout should be enlightening as Wu officials said many long-term vacant positions won’t be filled. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

On April 5, while transiting the bold and fiery sign of Aries, the sun will meet with Jupiter in Cancer, in a tense but enlightening square. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for enlightening

• brightening
• frightening
• heightening
• lightening
• tightening
• whitening