enlightened








verb (used with object)

  1. to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to: We hope the results of our research will enlighten our colleagues.
  2. Archaic. to shed light upon.

adjective

  1. factually well-informed, tolerant of alternative opinions, and guided by rational thoughtan enlightened administration; enlightened self-interest
  2. privy to or claiming a sense of spiritual or religious revelation of truththe search for an enlightened spiritual master

verb (tr)

  1. to give information or understanding to; instruct; edify
  2. to free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition
  3. to give spiritual or religious revelation to
  4. poetic to shed light on
adj.

1630s, “illuminated;” 1660s in the sense “well-informed;” past participle adjective from enlighten.

v.

late 14c., “to remove the dimness or blindness (usually figurative) from one’s eyes or heart;” see en- (1) + lighten. Old English had inlihtan. Related: Enlightened; enlightening.

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