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

• 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

High-minded stuff like this could well result in something that’s as inert and exciting as, well, a pile of rocks, but Kossakovsky creates a thought-provoking visual poem that enlightens and nudges to consider a better future that respects structures and elements. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025

The chillest yak in Zootopia — voiced by the equally chill Tommy Chong of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong — is back for Zootopia 2. Like Chong, Yax is enlightened and laidback as the owner of a naturist club. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Contrary to progressive delusions, young people are not especially enlightened. —John R. Puri, National Review, 27 July 2025

The cosmos is giving us a wake-up call to gather and process integral information to enlighten and improve our options. —Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 21 July 2025

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