enlighten
Enlighten (verb) means to give someone knowledge or understanding about something they didn't previously grasp. Example: “The tour guide enlightened us about the building's dark history.”
How to use enlighten
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo help someone understand something by explaining it clearly.
Word forms
enlightened past tense, enlightens singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tour guide _____ us about the building's dark history.
Etymology
From Old English inlīhtan, "to give light to," related to light + -en.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for enlighten
See all rhymes for 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.