enlightens
Sheds light on
Enlightens means to give knowledge or understanding to someone, to illuminate what was previously dark or unclear.
A teacher enlightens students about history; an investigation enlightens the public about corruption.
The word carries connotations of bringing someone from ignorance into clarity: The documentary enlightens viewers about the refugee crisis.
In spiritual contexts, to be enlightened suggests profound awakening or wisdom.
Makes something understandable
- explainsMakes something understandable
- illuminatesProvides light to
- demystifiesMakes understandable
- simplifiesMakes less complex
unravels · decodes · interprets · deciphers · reveals · clarifies · untangles · resolves
Communicates facts to
- teachesGives lessons to others
- instructsImparts knowledge or orders
- edifiesInstructs for betterment
- schoolsPlaces of learning
guides · mentors · cultivates · enriches · empowers
Raises emotionally or physically
- motivatesSupplies incentive to act
- awakensBecomes conscious again
- stirsBlends by circling
- movesChanges in position
sparks · kindles · ignites · encourages · invigorates · galvanizes · stimulates · arouses
Becomes conscious again
- transcendsGoes beyond usual limits
- liberatesSets free from captivity
- freesRemoves from captivity
- transformsChanges form completely
elucidates
Makes something understandable
- explainsMakes something understandable
- illuminatesProvides light to
- demystifiesMakes understandable
simplifies · unravels · decodes · interprets · deciphers · reveals · clarifies · untangles · resolves · explicates
informs
Communicates facts to
schools · guides · mentors · cultivates · enriches · empowers
uplifts
Raises emotionally or physically
moves · sparks · kindles · ignites · encourages · invigorates · galvanizes · stimulates · arouses · enthuses
awakens
Becomes conscious again
- transcendsGoes beyond usual limits
- liberatesSets free from captivity
- freesRemoves from captivity
enlightensdeceives
Causes false belief
misleads · misinforms · deludes · dupes · fools
enlightensdarkens
Becomes less bright
dumbs down · stupefies · blinds · indoctrinates · brainwashes
- enlightened beingOne attaining spiritual wisdom
enlighten, enlightened, enlightening, unenlightened, enlightener