enlighten

[en-lahyt-n] /ɛnˈlaɪt 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
Related forms
enlightenedly, adverb
enlightenedness, noun
enlightener, noun
enlighteningly, adverb
nonenlightened, adjective
nonenlightening, adjective
preenlighten, verb (used with object)
preenlightener, noun
reenlighten, verb (used with object)
unenlightened, adjective
unenlightening, adjective
well-enlightened, adjective
Synonyms
1. illumine, edify, teach, inform.
Antonyms
1. mystify, confuse, perplex, puzzle.
Examples from the web for enlightened
  • But there's no harm in some enlightened and educated guessing.
  • Thanks for all of these conflicting and enlightened arguments.
  • Now you're no more enlightened and facing late fees from two places.
  • More awards to individuals who have in one way or another enlightened the public were announced yesterday.
  • They are not enlightened new procedures for protecting students from crime.
  • The benefits to guests of synchronizing some of the ratings would be immediate, because travelers would be enlightened.
  • All enlightened cultures respect education and the freedom of information that goes with it.
  • It was not a gimmick at all, but an enlightened fix.
  • Perhaps it's pride of place, or plain old enlightened self-interest.
  • We are not producing an enlightened and engaged citizenry.
British Dictionary definitions for enlightened

enlightened

/ɪnˈlaɪtənd/
adjective
1.
factually well-informed, tolerant of alternative opinions, and guided by rational thought: an enlightened administration, enlightened self-interest
2.
privy to or claiming a sense of spiritual or religious revelation of truth: the search for an enlightened spiritual master

enlighten

/ɪnˈlaɪtən/
verb (transitive)
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
Derived Forms
enlightener, noun
enlightening, adjective
Word Origin and History for enlightened
adj.

1630s, "illuminated;" 1660s in the sense "well-informed;" past participle adjective from enlighten.

enlighten

v.

late 14c., "to remove the dimness or blindness (usually figurative) from one's eyes or heart;" see en- (1) + lighten. Old English had inlihtan. Related: Enlightened; enlightening.