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.

Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English enli(g)htenen. See en-1, lighten1

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
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


1. illumine, edify, teach, inform.


1. mystify, confuse, perplex, puzzle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To enlightening
00:10
Enlightening is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Collins
World English Dictionary
enlighten (ɪnˈlaɪtən) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
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

enlighten (ɪnˈlaɪtən) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
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
Cite This Source
Example sentences
Dedicated to providing community centers that are enlightening, educational,
  and entertaining.
Focusing on plain language in my research and consulting work has been
  enlightening.
However, those that succeed in making sense of some aspect of global culture
  can be both enlightening and memorable.
Taken in small bits, it makes for enlightening reading.
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