Enlighten

v.thoughtful, hopefulformal

What it means

To give someone knowledge or insight that makes an issue clearer.

Reach for it when describing information that changes understanding, not merely adds facts

The restored diaries may enlighten researchers about daily life in the port.

playful
open someone's eyes
when surprising awareness suits conversational language
not when It risks treating the listener as previously blind rather than still learning.
everyday
clarify
when confusion about one point needs removal
not when Clarification narrows ambiguity but may not add a new perspective.
professional
educate
when structured learning develops broader knowledge
not when Education is sustained and systematic, while one insight can enlighten.
professional
inform
when accurate facts are all the person needs
not when Information can accumulate without producing the clearer understanding of enlightenment.
literary
edify
when instruction also improves moral or intellectual character
not when Edify is old-fashioned and adds a moral claim beyond simple insight.
literary
illuminate
when an explanation reveals hidden structure or meaning
not when Illuminate is metaphorical and can sound ornate in basic instructions.

enlighten the public
The exhibition seeks to enlighten the public about overlooked women printers.
help enlighten
A transparent audit can help enlighten voters before the referendum.
enlighten someone about
The survey may enlighten planners about how the square is actually used.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.