Basic Details
Word: Enlighten
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To give someone knowledge or understanding about something.
Synonyms: Educate, inform, illuminate
Antonyms: Confuse, mislead, obscure
Idioms and Phrases
- Enlighten me: A way of asking someone to explain or clarify something. Example: "I dont understand this concept; can you enlighten me?"
- Light bulb moment: A moment of sudden insight or revelation. Example: "When I understood the solution to the problem, it was like a light bulb moment for me!"
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher tried to enlighten her students about the importance of recycling.
Example 2: He read many books in an effort to enlighten himself about different cultures.
Example 3: The documentary aimed to enlighten viewers on the effects of climate change.
Fun Fact
The word "enlighten" comes from the Middle English word "enlightenen," which means to make light or bright, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. It signifies bringing clarity to a subject.
Famous Quote
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." Plutarch
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "enlighten" mean?
a) To darken
b) To give knowledge or understanding
c) To confuse
d) To hide information
Answer: b) To give knowledge or understanding
2. Which of these is a synonym of "enlighten"?
a) Obscure
b) Educate
c) Confuse
d) Mislead
Answer: b) Educate
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "enlighten"?
a) Inform
b) Illuminate
c) Confuse
d) Clarify
Answer: c) Confuse
4. Which sentence uses "enlighten" correctly?
a) The teacher enlightened the class about the solar system.
b) The cat tried to enlighten the mouse.
c) Did you enlighten the window last night?
d) She enlightened the soup with spices.
Answer: a) The teacher enlightened the class about the solar system.
5. What does the idiom "light bulb moment" refer to?
a) A moment of confusion
b) A moment of sudden insight or understanding
c) A moment of total darkness
d) A moment of boredom
Answer: b) A moment of sudden insight or understanding
