enlighten
verb
en·light·en
in-ˈlī-tᵊn 
en-
enlightened; enlightening
in-ˈlīt-niŋ
-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ,
en-
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
Not just out of charity, but enlightened self-interest.
—
David Miliband, Time, 16 Dec. 2025
Giving us all the chance to be inspired and enlightened, but doing it with humor and love.
—Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
The Harlem Book of the Dead, conceived and nurtured by Camille Billops, cherishes that remembrance and enlightens us as only memory can.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
As the stagehands began to transport instruments and equipment inside, thousands headed to their next destination, enlightened, empowered, and most importantly, entertained.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
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David Miliband, Time, 16 Dec. 2025
Giving us all the chance to be inspired and enlightened, but doing it with humor and love.
—Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
The Harlem Book of the Dead, conceived and nurtured by Camille Billops, cherishes that remembrance and enlightens us as only memory can.
—Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025
As the stagehands began to transport instruments and equipment inside, thousands headed to their next destination, enlightened, empowered, and most importantly, entertained.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlighten. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
-ᵊn-mənt
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