Definition of Enlighten

1. Verb. Make understand. "The performance is likely to Enlighten Sue"; "Can you enlighten me--I don't understand this proposal"

Exact synonyms: Edify
Generic synonyms: Instruct, Learn, Teach
Derivative terms: Edification, Enlightenment

2. Verb. Give spiritual insight to; in religion.
Exact synonyms: Irradiate
Generic synonyms: Prophesy, Vaticinate

3. Verb. Make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear. "Clear up the question of who is at fault"

Definition of Enlighten

1. v. t. To supply with light; to illuminate; as, the sun enlightens the earth.

Definition of Enlighten

1. Verb. To supply with light; to illuminate; as, the sun enlightens the earth. ¹

2. Verb. To make clear to the intellect or conscience; to shed the light of truth and knowledge upon; to furnish with increase of knowledge; to instruct; as, to enlighten the mind or understanding. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Enlighten

1. [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Enlighten

enlay
enlaying
enlays
enleague
enlengthen
enlengthened
enlengthening
enlengthens
enlessen
enlessened
enlessening
enlessens
enleve
enlight
enlighted
enlighten
enlightenable
enlightened
enlightener
enlighteners
enlighteneth
enlightening
enlighteningly
enlightenment
enlightenments
enlightens
enlighting
enlights
enlimn
enlimned

Literary usage of Enlighten

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon (1887)
"... that he should purify his soul from her mortal and terrestrial part ; that he should extinguish his appetites, enlighten his understanding, regulate his ..."

2. Publications (1853)
"without mercy, who have showed no mercy. May the Lord enlighten those who are thus blinded. ... enlighten ..."

3. Annual Report by Boston Female Anti-slavery Society (1836)
"... to enlighten. In behalf of the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society, (Signed,) MARIA WESTON CHAPMAN, foreign Cor. Secretary. The Secretary of domestic ..."

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