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

• acquaint
• advise
• apprise
• brief
• catch up
• clear
• clue (in)
• familiarize
• fill in
• hip
• inform
• instruct
• tell
• verse
• wise (up)

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

Documentary filmmakers often expose themselves to extreme risks to enlighten the world. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 28 Mar. 2025

Viewers who never thought to wonder about the toxicity of post-chemo urine will be graphically enlightened. —Judy Berman, Time, 27 Mar. 2025

Blending the two can lead to decisions that are both informed and enlightened. —Anar Mammadov, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

He was enlightened by the Norwood v. State case and the three judges’ questions directed to attorneys on both sides. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 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