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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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A director who loves our country and wants to enlighten us with consequential historical exhibits would be a better fit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

Some of those eagerly sought to enlighten their charges, while a few others grew to see – or claimed to see – an unbridgeable chasm between the ivory tower and mass cultural aspiration.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 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

“The truth is, you are either here to enlighten or discourage.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 7, 2025

Looks seem rather important, as does the ability to enlighten, disappoint, and control great numbers of people who always seem to be American.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Unfortunately, however, the Netflix series obscures on this issue more than it enlightens.

From Slate ● Apr. 30, 2025

There's not a lot of focus on music that enlightens people, and that carries over to other products as well.

From Salon ● Jun. 17, 2023

The deeply felt elegance of Dandridge’s rendition of “Send in the Clowns” enlightens, even if belatedly, Hayden’s Fredrik, who grows in gravitas and, therefore, appeal.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 2, 2023

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

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 27, 2019

“You are like he was,” Keith enlightens me, “and just like him, you were most likely to die the same way—a quarter of what you could have been....”

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak

Or should the seemingly enlightened Norwegians be more understanding?

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026

Every decision it makes about the pace and composition of new issuance, and every decision about whether to retire or not retire existing issues, is a legitimate choice made under enlightened self-interest.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

Phenomenal amounts of self-righteous bloviating about enlightened or benighted child-feeding have gone on for centuries.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Marcus’ son, notes Mr. Potter, was nothing like his enlightened father.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

Along the way, he built schools and almshouses, new roads and bridges, and even founded whole new towns, establishing himself as one of the most enlightened of the English landlords in Ireland at the time.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin

Nevertheless, it’s an enlightening read in light of how dramatically war has changed in the last two-and-a-half centuries.

From Salon ● Jul. 4, 2026

"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

Alexander said: "It was the single most enlightening conversation I've had in the last month on trade so I see why you hold him in such high regard."

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 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

“Let’s just say it’s been an enlightening few days,” I reply.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold


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