# enlighten

/ˌɛnˈɫaɪtən/ (US) · /ɛnlˈaɪtən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enlighten
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to give someone more knowledge or understanding about a topic. You use this when you help someone see the truth about a situation.

For teachers: to provide someone with greater knowledge, understanding, or spiritual insight. Often used in the passive voice to describe a state of being informed.

## Examples

- Could you enlighten me on how this new software works?
- The documentary aims to enlighten the public about the environmental impact of fast fashion.
- While the professor's lecture did much to enlighten the students on the historical context of the treaty, many still struggled with its modern legal implications.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He enlightened to me the situation" but "He enlightened me on the situation" — Enlighten is a transitive verb that takes the person as a direct object; it does not use 'to' before the person.

## Usage notes

- Transitive verb; often followed by the preposition 'on' or 'about' when specifying the subject matter.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.