When someone says it is enlighten, they are likely trying to express something related to gaining knowledge, understanding a concept more clearly, or experiencing a new perspective. However, grammatically, the phrase needs some attention. The correct form should be it is enlightening or to enlighten. Understanding the word enlighten helps us appreciate its proper use in various contexts. This topic explores the meaning of enlighten, how to use it, and what it implies in everyday communication.
Understanding the Word ‘Enlighten’
The wordenlightenis a verb that means to give someone greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation. It comes from the idea of bringing light to something dark or unknown. Just like a flashlight reveals hidden objects in a dark room, enlightenment reveals truths and facts that may have been previously misunderstood or ignored.
Definitions and Common Interpretations
Here are some basic definitions of the word enlighten:
- To inform or educate: Giving someone knowledge they did not have before.
- To illuminate mentally or spiritually: Offering insights that help someone grow emotionally or intellectually.
- To shed light on a topic: Making a complex subject easier to understand.
In casual conversation, people might use it to express a moment of clarity or realization, such as The teacher enlightened me about climate change.
Grammatical Correction: It is Enlighten vs. It is Enlightening
The phraseit is enlightenis not grammatically correct because enlighten is a base form of a verb. To make it proper, we need to use the adjective form enlightening, which describes something that provides insight or understanding. So, the correct sentence would be:
It is enlightening to learn about different cultures.
Here, enlightening functions as a descriptive word showing that the subject (learning about different cultures) brings new understanding or perspective.
Other Correct Forms
Besides it is enlightening, we can also use the verb enlighten with a subject and object. Examples include:
- She enlightened the students with her explanation.
- The documentary enlightened me about global warming.
In these cases, enlighten is actively used to describe someone giving knowledge or understanding to someone else.
Examples of Enlighten in Sentences
To help reinforce the meaning of enlighten, here are several example sentences:
- Please enlighten me on how this machine works.
- The book enlightened readers about the struggles of the ancient world.
- That conversation was truly enlightening.
- He used his experiences to enlighten others facing similar challenges.
- Visiting different countries can enlighten you about how diverse people live.
Each example shows how enlighten can be used in practical, everyday communication, especially when talking about gaining new knowledge or perspectives.
The Spiritual and Philosophical Side of Enlightenment
Beyond everyday use, enlighten and enlightenment also carry deeper spiritual meanings. In many cultures and religions, enlightenment refers to a state of deep wisdom, inner peace, and understanding of life or the universe. For example:
- In Buddhism, enlightenment is the ultimate goal, where one becomes free from ignorance and suffering.
- In philosophy, the Age of Enlightenment was a period in the 17th and 18th centuries when reason, science, and knowledge became central to society’s progress.
These meanings connect enlighten to personal growth, spiritual awareness, and intellectual freedom.
Why Understanding Enlighten Is Useful
Learning how to use the word enlighten correctly can improve your speaking and writing in several ways:
- It helps you express the idea of learning or teaching clearly.
- You can use it in both formal and casual conversations.
- It opens the door to deeper topics, such as personal development and cultural understanding.
Using enlighten shows that you are thoughtful and value the importance of knowledge and awareness.
Tips to Use Enlighten Confidently
If you want to get more comfortable using this word, try these suggestions:
- Practice writing sentences using enlighten and enlightening.
- Read topics or books where the term is used in context.
- Use the word in conversations when discussing new ideas or discoveries.
The more you use it, the more natural it will feel in your daily language.
Common Synonyms and Related Words
If you’re looking to vary your vocabulary, here are some words that have similar meanings to enlighten or enlightening:
- Inform
- Educate
- Instruct
- Illuminate
- Clarify
- Reveal
- Explain
Each word has its own shade of meaning, but all can be used when discussing the act of sharing or receiving knowledge.
Embracing the Power of Enlighten
In summary, while the phrase it is enlighten is not grammatically correct, the idea behind it reflects a meaningful concept. The proper usage, such as it is enlightening or to enlighten someone, allows us to describe powerful moments of understanding, growth, and awareness. Whether you’re explaining something to a friend, describing a life-changing experience, or seeking wisdom yourself, the word enlighten can help convey those thoughts beautifully and clearly. By using this word correctly, you make your speech and writing more precise, expressive, and effective in both casual and formal settings.