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

Examples of enlightening in a Sentence

an enlightening pamphlet about the major changes that consumers can expect from their cable and Internet service providers

Recent Examples on the Web

This process has been both challenging and enlightening. —Shay Levister, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

For the sake of history, thank goodness scores of them are preserved in this enlightening and entertaining book. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024

Overall, Orion was an enlightening experience that reinvigorated my hope in the future of AR glasses, even if that future is likely years away. —Anshel Sag, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

As usual, the replies were voluminous and enlightening. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above