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 of enlighten

• 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

His work commonly explores how the text of Islamic tradition can enlighten the present and vice versa. —André Munro, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 2026

Belif’s formula, however, has enlightened me to the benefits of an eye cream and has proven an essential component of my morning routine. —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026

The 11 chapters of the book teach one how to seize every opportunity to become enlightened, even in the least possible place. —Jue Liang, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026

Beto O’Rourke, thank you so much for joining The David Frum Show and for enlightening us about Texas today. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026

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