1350-1400;Middle Englishenli(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 enlighten
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.
The message is that a public education system can enlighten some minds while failing to reach others.
If you would be so kind, please enlighten me as to the reason for the stigma.
In short, the consensus opinion glosses over stuff that could further enlighten investors.
Certainly, on some level, this profusion of sensory data has the potential to enlighten us.
Please enlighten everyone as to the experiments that can and can't be done in astronomy.
The article helped enlighten many specialists.
Let me try to enlighten him.
British Dictionary definitions for enlighten
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 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.