enlighten
verb
en·light·en
in-ˈlī-tᵊn 
en-
enlightened; enlightening
in-ˈlīt-niŋ
-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ,
en-
1
a
: to furnish knowledge to : instruct
enlightened us about the problem
b
: to give spiritual insight to
2
archaic
: illuminate
Synonyms
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
Watching my sisters become mothers and nieces become women has only reminded me of the tender care necessary to enlighten the feminine divine.
—
Laila Annmarie Stevens, Parents, 15 Jan. 2024
Jimmy Buffett looks at 50 years after his first Key West gig
How Buffett fits in with the church
Count Hafner among the enlightened.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024
Around the globe, an array of new museum openings are also poised to enlighten and inspire.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Jan. 2024
The interview provided little groundbreaking substance that would enlighten American audiences as to what Putin intends to do about Ukraine, which has been devastated by nearly two years of unprovoked Russian bombardment and unlawful occupation.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN, 8 Feb. 2024
The Hill, a widely read news source inside the Beltway, wrote a story about the letter that included background that may have enlightened the uninitiated.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024
Through March, the community is invited to read the book and come together for a wide variety of events: presentations that enlighten and encourage civic dialog, lively book discussions, documentary screenings, blues music, and youth activities, in libraries and other area venues across the Valley.
—Michelle Jenkins, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024
Think carefully about how your content will educate, entertain, or enlighten.
—Jon Stojan, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024
So why then would Facebook have initially blocked posts about a drama that is trying to enlighten the public about what even the Department of Homeland Security acknowledges as one of the gravest threats facing the nation?
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024
Laila Annmarie Stevens, Parents, 15 Jan. 2024
Jimmy Buffett looks at 50 years after his first Key West gig
How Buffett fits in with the church
Count Hafner among the enlightened.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024
Around the globe, an array of new museum openings are also poised to enlighten and inspire.
—Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Jan. 2024
The interview provided little groundbreaking substance that would enlighten American audiences as to what Putin intends to do about Ukraine, which has been devastated by nearly two years of unprovoked Russian bombardment and unlawful occupation.
—Nathan Hodge, CNN, 8 Feb. 2024
The Hill, a widely read news source inside the Beltway, wrote a story about the letter that included background that may have enlightened the uninitiated.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2024
Through March, the community is invited to read the book and come together for a wide variety of events: presentations that enlighten and encourage civic dialog, lively book discussions, documentary screenings, blues music, and youth activities, in libraries and other area venues across the Valley.
—Michelle Jenkins, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024
Think carefully about how your content will educate, entertain, or enlighten.
—Jon Stojan, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024
So why then would Facebook have initially blocked posts about a drama that is trying to enlighten the public about what even the Department of Homeland Security acknowledges as one of the gravest threats facing the nation?
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enlighten.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near enlighten
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlighten. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
-ᵊn-mənt
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