enlighten

verb

en·​light·​en in-ˈlī-tᵊn How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
en-
enlightened; enlightening in-ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ,
en-
Synonyms of enlightennext

transitive verb

1
a
: to furnish knowledge to : instruct
enlightened us about the problem
b
: to give spiritual insight to
2
archaic : illuminate

Synonyms

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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
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.
Faye is one of those once-in-a-generation writers whose words effortlessly cut through the noise and manage to entertain while enlightening you. — The Glamour Editors, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2025 Except, unlike the expansion that tech gave to the enlightened before, the institutions of today, such as media, science, and education, are being slowly destroyed by technology. — Kara Swisher, The Atlantic, 9 Mar. 2025 There is so much to Scott’s life, a few villains too, in 90 minutes that thrill and enlighten and remind us how rough women had it in most fields in the early decades of last century (and still true for too many). — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025 This can make browsing through social media after news like the John Lithgow casting appear incredibly divisive, with many people hunkering down on their opinions and portraying HBO’s decision as nothing short of awful or enlightened. — Callum Booth, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlighten

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlighten was in the 14th century

Rhymes for enlighten

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Browse Nearby Words

enlight
enlighten
enlightened
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Cite this Entry

“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlighten. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

enlighten

verb
en·​light·​en in-ˈlīt-ᵊn How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
enlightened; enlightening -ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to give knowledge or understanding to : instruct
enlightened us about the problem
enlightenment
-ᵊn-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enlighten

Nglish: Translation of enlighten for Spanish Speakers

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