enlighten

Verb

Meaning

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

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.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

clear illuminate crystallize elucidate edify sort out irradiate straighten out shed light on crystalise crystalize prime school light guide
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Antonyms

buffalo fox bob bumble gaslight bevel
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Hypernyms

learn teach clarify elucidate prophesy instruct

Related terms

elucidate lighten

Phrases with the word

enlighten you intended to enlighten

Examples

The secret of liberty is to enlighten men, as that of tyranny is to keep them in ignorance. Maximilien Robespierre

Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day. Thomas Jefferson

The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels. Inayat Khan

The appalling and shameful scene ("spectacle", Fr.) of disarray and illogicality that manifest itself in the thought and deeds of men, will no longer be seen, once these will possess an enlighten consciouness. African Spir

I am searching for abstract ways of expressing reality, abstract forms that will enlighten my own mystery. Eric Cantona

Chemistry, in its application to animals and vegetables. Endeavours jointly with physiology to enlighten us respecting the mysterious processes and sources of organic life. Justus von Liebig

Close letter words and terms

enlevement enleven enlight enlighten you enlightenable enlightened