enlighten

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ɪnˈlaɪtən/ or /ənˈlaɪtən/ or /ɛnˈlaɪtən/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: en‧light‧en

Verb

Plain form enlighten

Third-person singular enlightens

Past tense enlightened

Past participle enlightened

Present participle enlightening

1. (transitive & intransitive) If something enlightens someone, it makes them realize or understand something that they hadn't before, often something quite important.
   • Synonyms: inform, educate and clarify

   This group tries to enlighten student about these risks.

   A: "Didn't you hear about this new technology?" B: "No, please, enlighten me."

   With the show, we try to entertain and enlighten at the same time.

2. If somebody is enlightened, they have a clear and true understanding of the world.
   • Synonyms: informed, educated and knowledgeable

   My parents were not really unusual, but they were enlightened about their views of marriage.

3. If something is enlightening, it makes you realize or understand something that you hadn't before, often something quite important.
   • Synonyms: interesting and educational

   These past months living with her were very enlightening.

Related words

• light
• enlightenment