Words / C1

in-LYTN/ɪnˈlaɪtn/

To enlighten is to give someone greater knowledge or understanding: enlighten the public, an enlightening briefing. Inform is everyday; educate is longer; confuse sits opposite. A mood board is not the empty cell.

Meaning

To give someone greater knowledge or understanding about a subject.

Examples

• “Enlighten the board with the empty n cell, not with a mood board.”
• “Inform is everyday. Brief is workplace. Illuminate is metaphorical light. Design is optional. A missing count is the news. Table the cell; table the colours later.”

Good to know

Give someone clearer understanding. Everyday: inform. Contrast: a mood board. The empty n is the briefing.

Near in meaning

inform

New