enlightening

adjective

en·​light·​en·​ing in-ˈlīt-niŋ How to pronounce enlightening (audio)
-ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ,
en-
: providing or tending to provide knowledge, understanding, or insight
a very enlightening discussion
… he takes readers on enlightening excursions through the nature of Judaism, Hegelian philosophy, wherever his curiosity heads.George Johnson
enlighteningly adverb

Examples of enlightening in a Sentence

an enlightening pamphlet about the major changes that consumers can expect from their cable and Internet service providers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet, beyond the almost comical disclosures, one of the least memorable lines was also the most enlightening — and highlights why, despite Howe being absent for a fortnight after contracting pneumonia, Tindall has been able to seamlessly step up and take charge of first-team matters in his absence. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 For Jojo Siwa, it’s been an enlightening journey about her gender identity and sexuality, but some fans are noticing that she’s been very close to a male co-star. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 23 Apr. 2025 The Bottom Line Always respectful, occasionally enlightening. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025 Safe spaces where enlightening conversations on women’s health issues like PMS, PCOS, perimenopause, menopause are honored and held are just as scarce. Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlightening

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlightening was in 1574

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Cite this Entry

“Enlightening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightening. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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