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enlighten

 [en-lahyt-n]   Example Sentences Origin

en·light·en

   [en-lahyt-n]
verb (used with object)
1.
to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to: We hope the results of our research will enlighten our colleagues.
2.
Archaic. to shed light upon.
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Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English enli(g)htenen. See en-1, lighten1

Related forms
en·light·ened·ly, adverb
en·light·ened·ness, noun
en·light·en·er, noun
en·light·en·ing·ly, adverb
non·en·light·ened, adjective
EXPAND
non·en·light·en·ing, adjective
pre·en·light·en, verb (used with object)
pre·en·light·en·er, noun
re·en·light·en, verb (used with object)
un·en·light·ened, adjective
un·en·light·en·ing, adjective
well-en·light·ened, adjective
COLLAPSE

Synonyms
1. illumine, edify, teach, inform.

Antonyms
1. mystify, confuse, perplex, puzzle.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To enlighten

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Enlighten is one of our favorite verbs.
So is lollygag. Does it mean:
to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.
to spend time idly; loaf.
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Example Sentences
  • It can enlighten, amuse and enrage — sometimes all at once.
  • Obviously you care enough to enlighten us with your insightful reply.
  • Movies and music engage and enlighten me, but they don't steal my mind.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
enlighten (ɪnˈlaɪtən)
 
—vb
1.  to give information or understanding to; instruct; edify
2.  to free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition
3.  to give spiritual or religious revelation to
4.  poetic to shed light on
 
en'lightener
 
—n
 
en'lightening
 
—adj

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

enlighten
late 14c. (O.E. had inlihtan), "to remove the dimness or blindness (usually figurative) from one's eyes or heart," from en- + lighten. Related: Enlightened; enlightening.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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