enlighten

[en-lahyt-n] / ɛnˈlaɪt n /

VERB

explain thoroughly; make aware

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquaint advise civilize edify educate inform uplift

STRONG

apprise brief catechize convert counsel direct disclose divulge elucidate guide illume illuminate illumine imitate improve inculcate indoctrinate inspirit instruct persuade preach reveal save school teach tell train update

WEAK

cause to understand give faith give the lowdown give the word let in on open up put on to

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conceal deceive hide

STRONG

harm hurt keep learn listen misguide mislead neglect obscure secrete suppress

WEAK

be vague bewilder confound confuse delude puzzle

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.

Many of the problems we face are self-inflicted, and they are fixable with proper allocation of resources, and enlightened and accountable leadership.

From MarketWatch

Yes, the founders, for men of their era, were enlightened.

From Salon

Rovere, on the other hand, found the book to be “barren of ideas and imagination,” and “scarcely more interesting or enlightening than the day-by-day newspaper accounts.”

From Salon

But he knows that, if a critic can’t draw enlightening connections, attribution is only a parlor game.

From The Wall Street Journal

They believe in an enlightened, secular Islam compatible with freedom of conscience and civil equality.

From The Wall Street Journal

enlighten

Example Sentences

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