enlighten
13 synonyms and 5 antonyms for enlighten, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give someone knowledge or understanding about something they didn't previously grasp.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
illuminate
edify
clear up
sort out
irradiate
elucidate
crystalize
crystalise
crystallize
crystallise
shed light on
straighten out
Antonyms
How to use enlighten
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
enlighten someone
please enlighten me
Etymology
From Old English inlīhtan, "to give light to," related to light + -en.
Full origin of enlighten →Frequently asked questions
What does “enlighten” mean?
The word “enlighten” means to give someone knowledge or understanding about something they didn't previously grasp. In plain terms, to help someone understand something by explaining it clearly.
How do you pronounce “enlighten”?
“Enlighten” is pronounced ihn-LEYE-tuhn (/ɪnˈlaɪtən/ in IPA).
How do you use “enlighten” in a sentence?
Here is “enlighten” used in a sentence: “The tour guide enlightened us about the building's dark history.”
What part of speech is “enlighten”?
“Enlighten” is a verb.
Where does the word “enlighten” come from?
The word “enlighten” comes from Old English. From Old English inlīhtan, "to give light to," related to light + -en.
Is “enlighten” a common word?
“Enlighten” is an uncommon word in modern English.
