enlighten
/ɪnˈlʌɪt(ə)n
/ /ɛnˈlʌɪt(ə)n/verb [with object]
1Give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation: Christopher had not enlightened Francis as to their relationship...
- Still, I was wondering if any readers might know more details, and enlighten me on the subject.
- Roger was enlightened on the subject and had much to say.
- Perhaps Professor George could enlighten me on the subject.
Synonyms
inform, make aware, notify, tell, advise, let know, illuminate, open someone's eyes, apprise;
explain the situation to, explain the circumstances to, describe the state of affairs to, brief, update, give details to, give information to, bring up to date
informal clue in, fill in, put wise, tip off, put in the picture, bring up to speed
1.1Give (someone) spiritual knowledge or insight: the Holy Spirit enlightened the Apostles...
- He is not just another man in the long line of religious teachers, he is just another spiritual master enlightened by knowledge, or another prophet in the long line of prophets.
- I think it is my responsibility to enlighten people on a spiritual level.
- At its best, it enchants and enlightens us, enriching our spiritual lives.
Synonyms
civilize, bring civilization to, bring culture to;
sophisticate, socialize, humanize;
improve, better;
edify, educate, instruct, teach, tutor, indoctrinate
rare acculturate
2 archaic Shed light on (an object): the sun enlightened some such clouds near him...
- In front of the town there are high and mighty cliffs which were enlightened with strong lights, put up by my uncle, an electrician working for the town.
- Even in the dreary weather, a small ray of light cascaded down, enlightening the sparkle of the gold, which Elsa wore.
- Candles burned every where to enlighten the room.
Derivatives
enlightener
- Together with the revolutionaries who were prepared to give their lives for their country's freedom, the enlighteners inspired Bulgaria's people and insisted that those of this country could say, ‘we have given something to the world’.
- God is made known to men by the grace of the Guru, the enlightener.
- True, he has ceased calling himself an artist in interviews, preferring to be regarded as an enlightener and inventor, as a scientist.
Origin
Middle English (in the sense 'make luminous'; formerly also as inlighten): in early use from Old English inlīhtan 'to shine'; later from en-1, in-2 (as an intensifier) + lighten2 or the noun light1.