What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enlight
Example
The teacher tried to enlighten her students about the importance of recycling. [enlighten: verb]
Example
After reading the book, I felt enlightened about the history of the Civil War. [enlightened: adjective]
explain
Example
Can you explain how to solve this math problem? [explain: verb]
Example
The professor explained the theory in detail during the lecture. [explained: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Explain is more commonly used than enlighten in everyday language. Explain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enlighten is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enlight and explain?
While enlighten is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, explain is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
