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Definitions

enlighten

[en-lahyt-n] / ɛnˈlaɪt n /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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He offers never-ending reruns of the same speech, and at this point it fails to entertain, enlighten or move anyone.

From Salon Jul. 31, 2026

Its narrative offers few character sketches, jumps around in time and digresses into subjects that distract more than they enlighten.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 3, 2026

So can you enlighten us as to the great wisdom Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito share in their own concurrences?

From Slate Jun. 18, 2025

"I think in the spirit of the bikers, Dave would want me to continue to have fun and to educate, to inform, to enlighten, to be slightly edgy," he says.

From BBC Dec. 6, 2024

As my father’s philosophy expanded, he began to empower, enlighten, and embrace an untold populace extending far beyond the limits of governmental control.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey

This is why “Catch the Fair One” ultimately disappoints more than it enlightens.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 11, 2022

What it shows us, what it leaves out and which important opportunities it misses are more concerning, all of which are why this hour disappoints more than it enlightens or activate the viewer.

From Salon Nov. 21, 2021

Poverty casts a dark shadow, while love enlightens the ambience.

From Seattle Times Nov. 27, 2019

Must-see TV: When They See Us, Ava DuVernay’s miniseries about the lives at the heart of the Central Park Five, informs and enlightens audiences—but as Willa Paskin reviews, entertainment is not its core purpose.

From Slate May 30, 2019

I will read further, searching until I find an explanation that enlightens me.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

When you see a really good player, that’s a rara avis — an enlightened individual.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 4, 2026

Historically, hoping that an absolute power will benevolently provide for humanity if sufficiently enlightened hasn’t led to safe or positive outcomes.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 28, 2026

“Are our moneyed men less enlightened to their own interest, or less enterprising in the pursuit?,” the future Treasury secretary wrote External link in 1780.

From Barron's Jun. 17, 2026

Quite poorly educated, quite easily misled, perhaps less than enlightened.

From Salon Jun. 15, 2026

We watched like orphaned refugees while she plumped her jowls with food and enlightened us as to our shortcomings with regard to diet, equipment, and general manliness.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

"Together, these records offer a more complex and enlightening account of the Revolution, showing how its consequences were felt far beyond the Thirteen Colonies," Cunningham added.

From Barron's Jun. 22, 2026

On a positive note, the column provoked a new and enlightening round of discussion among economists about the scale, causes and consequences of the widening divergence between American and European prosperity.

From The Wall Street Journal May 21, 2026

Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper’s live performance from 2010 is particularly enlightening: the audience becomes audibly excited the moment they recognize the song’s iconic piano hook, a scene that demonstrates “Sunshine’s” immortality.

From Los Angeles Times May 19, 2026

With six politicians vying for your attention, these debates can be noisy and argumentative, but they can also be enlightening and influential.

From BBC Apr. 28, 2026

Similarly, whenever I used to think a conversation I’d had with someone was especially funny or enlightening, I would jot it down in my notebook, the same one I kept my book titles in.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley




Vocabulary lists containing enlighten


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