enlighten
word
/ˌɛnˈɫaɪtən/
/ɛnlˈaɪtən/
Definition
To give someone new knowledge or insight, especially about something they didn't understand before. It can also mean to make a topic clearer or easier to understand.
Usage & Nuances
Formal verb, often used when talking about increasing understanding or sharing important knowledge. Common phrases: 'Please enlighten me', 'I was enlightened by'. Rare in casual conversation; more often found in written or formal speech.
Spanish: ilustrar - esclarecerPortuguese (BR): esclarecer - iluminar (figurado)Portuguese (PT): esclarecer - iluminar (figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 启发 - 启迪Chinese (Traditional): 啟發 - 啟迪Hindi: प्रकाशित करना - ज्ञान देनाArabic: يُنَوِّر - يُوضحBengali: জ্ঞানদান করা - আলোকিত করা (রূপক)Russian: просветить - объяснитьJapanese: 啓発する - 明らかにするVietnamese: khai sáng - thông suốtKorean: 깨우치다 - 밝히다 (비유적)Turkish: aydınlatmak - bilgilendirmekUrdu: روشنی دینا - آگاہ کرناIndonesian: mencerahkan - menjelaskan
Example Sentences
Could you enlighten me about the rules?
basic
The book helped enlighten her thinking.
basic
Teachers try to enlighten their students.
basic
If you know something I don't, please enlighten me.
natural
Her explanation really enlightened the whole team.
natural
Sometimes a small detail can enlighten your perspective.
natural