verb (used with object)
- to give intellectual or spiritual light to; instruct; impart knowledge to: We hope the results of our research will enlighten our colleagues.
- Archaic. to shed light upon.
adjective
- factually well-informed, tolerant of alternative opinions, and guided by rational thoughtan enlightened administration; enlightened self-interest
- privy to or claiming a sense of spiritual or religious revelation of truththe search for an enlightened spiritual master
verb (tr)
- to give information or understanding to; instruct; edify
- to free from ignorance, prejudice, or superstition
- to give spiritual or religious revelation to
- poetic to shed light on
1630s, “illuminated;” 1660s in the sense “well-informed;” past participle adjective from enlighten.
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.