enlightening

1 of 2

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

enlightening

2 of 2

present participle of enlighten

Synonyms of enlightening

Adjective

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

Examples of enlightening in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This columnist’s three years in the trenches were the toughest yet most enlightening three years of my career. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

For podcasts, authors provide legitimacy to any topic, and their insights – based on the wisdom mined from their book research – can make for an enlightening and lively discussion. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Billie Eilish and James Cameron team up for a movie that immerses the audience in her performances while also featuring enlightening conversations between two artistic icons about the magic behind the spectacle. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Beta has put in the legwork, sourcing enlightening testimony from figures including Maupin and Alice’s great-nephew Steven Ellison, better known by his producer-musician moniker, Flying Lotus. — Ian Penman, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1574, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for enlightening

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