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enlighten

From Wiktionary

Pronunciation

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  • IPA (key): /ɪnˈlaɪtən/ or /ənˈlaɪtən/ or /ɛnˈlaɪtən/
  • (file)
  • Hyphenation: en‧light‧en

Verb

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Plain form
enlighten

Third-person singular
enlightens

Past tense
enlightened

Past participle
enlightened

Present participle
enlightening

  1. (transitive & intransitive) If something enlightens someone, it makes them realize or understand something that they hadn't before, often something quite important.
    This group tries to enlighten student about these risks.
    A: "Didn't you hear about this new technology?" B: "No, please, enlighten me."
    With the show, we try to entertain and enlighten at the same time.
  2. If somebody is enlightened, they have a clear and true understanding of the world.
    My parents were not really unusual, but they were enlightened about their views of marriage.
  3. If something is enlightening, it makes you realize or understand something that you hadn't before, often something quite important.
    These past months living with her were very enlightening.
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