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
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
And audiences clap to show their appreciation for the effort made to entertain, educate or enlighten us.
—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
Many will wish to get their foothold in Ljubljana, the capital city that’s home to enlightening museums, serene parks, and 15 restaurants singled out by the Michelin Guide.
—
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 May 2026
Anti-Semitism has reappeared, in varying forms, in almost every diasporic society where Jews have flourished over the past two millennia, including societies that once seemed secure, enlightened, and permanent.
—
Michael W. Sonnenfeldt,
The Atlantic,
20 May 2026
Ambiguity clouds the conversation and risks leaving your protégé more confused than enlightened.
—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
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show current usage.
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Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
Many will wish to get their foothold in Ljubljana, the capital city that’s home to enlightening museums, serene parks, and 15 restaurants singled out by the Michelin Guide.
—
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 May 2026
Anti-Semitism has reappeared, in varying forms, in almost every diasporic society where Jews have flourished over the past two millennia, including societies that once seemed secure, enlightened, and permanent.
—
Michael W. Sonnenfeldt,
The Atlantic,
20 May 2026
Ambiguity clouds the conversation and risks leaving your protégé more confused than enlightened.
—
Chip Bell,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for enlighten
Cite this Entry
“Enlighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlighten. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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