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

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

This fascinating deep dive into Germany’s history and culture is powerfully enlightening. —Laura Manske, Forbes, 15 July 2022

Then came the enlightening moment for him, when Hachimura filled the lane on the fastbreak later in the second, took a pass from James, fumbled it and recovered the ball to score on a layup. —Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2023

These meetings are often enlightening and leave both parties with a fresh perspective on business. —Irma Becerra, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022

Stankey led several acquisitions for AT&T and meeting new employees was often enlightening. —Dallas News, 28 Mar. 2022

Conversations with Bond vets like Craig, Naomie Harris, and Lea Seydoux proved to be enlightening. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2021

Her social analysis is enlightening, but Faleiro's book is most poignant when it's focused on the girls' unfinished lives. —Kevin Canfield, Star Tribune, 5 Feb. 2021

Sometimes the debate between atheism and religion can be enlightening, showing us how both of these different approaches dive deeply into the currents of human experience. —Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2013

That said, there was one enlightening and relevant incident in 1969. —David Reamer, Anchorage Daily News, 29 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above