enlightening

adjective

en·​light·​en·​ing in-ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlightening (audio)
-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

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 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enlightening.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlightening was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near enlightening

Cite this Entry

“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightening. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on enlightening

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