enlighten Definition
- 1to give someone knowledge or understanding about something
- 2to make something clear or easy to understand
Using enlighten: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "enlighten" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I hope this article will enlighten you on the topic.
Example
The professor enlightened us with his lecture on quantum mechanics.
Example
Can you enlighten me on how to use this software?
Example
The book aims to enlighten readers about the history of the region.
enlighten Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with enlighten
to provide knowledge or understanding to someone who is unaware or uninformed
Example
The teacher sought to enlighten her students' ignorance about the Holocaust.
a philosophical movement of the 18th century that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism
Example
Enlightenment philosophy had a profound impact on Western thought and culture.
enlightened self-interest
the idea that people can pursue their own interests while also contributing to the greater good
Example
The concept of enlightened self-interest is central to many economic and political theories.
Origins of enlighten
from Old English 'inlihtan', meaning 'to shine in' or 'to illuminate'
Summary: enlighten in Brief
The verb 'enlighten' [ɪnˈlaɪtn] means to provide knowledge or understanding about something, or to make something clear or easy to understand. It can be used in contexts ranging from education to philosophy, as in 'The professor enlightened us with his lecture on quantum mechanics.' 'Enlighten' also appears in phrases like 'enlightenment philosophy,' which refers to a philosophical movement of the 18th century that emphasized reason and individualism.
