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

Madonna has been trying to enlighten us since 1998’s Ray of Light, but back then—and for most of her career—her personal quest was tied to an artistic one. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026

The company can also enlighten us on how falling crude prices are translating into cheaper prices for finished goods — in this case, jet fuel. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026

And audiences clap to show their appreciation for the effort made to entertain, educate or enlighten us. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 1 June 2026

Many will wish to get their foothold in Ljubljana, the capital city that’s home to enlightening museums, serene parks, and 15 restaurants singled out by the Michelin Guide. — Condé Nast Traveler, 22 May 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