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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two of the film’s three directors have found the journey as enlightening as the titular heroine’s experiences. Simon Thompson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 The book’s premise revolves around Zachary, a courageous eight-year-old diagnosed with a terminal pediatric cancer, who has an enlightening dream where God approaches him with a mission. Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, discussions with partners (and possibly your kids) will prove to be enlightening and effective. Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025 Our editorial sessions, which took place in his apartment near Cecil Court, were both enlightening and hugely entertaining. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlightening

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlightening was in 1574

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Cite this Entry

“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightening. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on enlightening

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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