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

Ironically, this is followed by Venus’ dazzling debut in your sign on Dec. 7, heightening your charisma and powers of persuasion while enlightening you with insight and perspective on your romantic expression. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Bursting his bubble by enlightening him that his singing is holding you back will not endear you to him. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 29 Nov. 2024

You will not be necessarily be enlightened, empowered, or enthralled by all of Gladiator II. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024

Honesty will enlighten and encourage you to change what’s confusing or stifling your progress. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

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