Enlighten
/ɪnˈlaɪtn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo provide someone with information or understanding that clarifies a situation or expands their knowledge.
/ɪnˈlaɪtn/
To give someone greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.
The lecture was designed to enlighten the audience on the latest research in neuroscience.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're explaining something complicated to a friend. You're trying to 'enlighten' them, which is like turning on a lightbulb in their brain and making it all make sense! For instance, if your friend doesn't get how to bake cookies, you can try to enlighten them with each of the steps.
👶 For kids: To help someone understand something better, like when you explain how to play a game to a friend and they finally get it!
More Examples
Could you enlighten me on the procedure for applying for a passport?
The book enlightened me on the history of jazz music.
How It's Used
"The professor enlightened the students on the complexities of quantum physics."
"Documentaries are often used to enlighten the public about social injustices."
To free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition; to give intellectual or spiritual insight.
/ɪnˈlaɪtn/
To free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition.
The documentary aimed to enlighten viewers about the plight of endangered species.
💡 Simply: This is like helping someone see the truth, especially if they're being misled. For example, you could enlighten someone about the dangers of smoking or about someone being discriminated against.
👶 For kids: To help someone understand something is right or wrong.
More Examples
The philosopher sought to enlighten his students about the nature of reality.
The purpose of education is to enlighten the minds of young people.
How It's Used
"The Enlightenment was a period that aimed to enlighten people with reason and science."
"The guru sought to enlighten his followers on the path to spiritual awakening."
Idioms & expressions
Enlightenment era
A historical period characterized by an emphasis on reason and individualism rather than tradition.
"The Enlightenment era had a profound impact on Western thought."
From Middle English enlyghtnen, from Old English *enlīhtan (attested in derivatives), equivalent to en- + light + -en (verb suffix). Cognate with Dutch verlichten, German erleuchten.
The word 'enlighten' has been used since the late 16th century, closely related to the metaphor of shedding light on something.
Memory tip
Think of shining a light (lighten) into a dark room (lack of understanding).
Practice
Word Origin
Root: light