Enlightenment definition

ĕn-lītn-mənt
A philosophical movement of the 1700s that emphasized the use of reason to scrutinize previously accepted doctrines and traditions and that brought about many humanitarian reforms. Used with the.
noun
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Enlightenment is defined as being advanced and having gained necessary information or knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge.

An example of enlightenment is when you become educated about a particular course of study or a particular religion.

An example of enlightenment was The Age of Enlightenment, a time in Europe during the 17th and 18th century considered an intellectual movement driven by reason.

noun
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A concept in spirituality, philosophy and psychology related to achieving clarity of perception, reason and knowledge.
noun
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The state of being enlightened.
noun
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The act or a means of enlightening.
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An act of enlightening, or the state of being enlightened or instructed.
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(buddhism & hinduism) A state in which the individual transcends desire and suffering and attains nirvana.
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(definite article) A 17th and 18th-century philosophical movement in European history; the Age of Enlightenment or Age of Reason emphasizing rationalism.
pronoun
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An enlightening or being enlightened.
noun
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the Enlightenment
  • a mainly 18th-cent. European philosophical movement characterized by a reliance on reason and experience rather than dogma and tradition and by an emphasis on humanitarian political goals and social progress
  • the period of this movement
idiom
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
enlightenment
Plural:
enlightenments

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

the Enlightenment

Enlightenment Sentence Examples

  • It was impossible for her to find enlightenment in such a hectic environment.

  • After having a moment of enlightenment, Bekah was finally able to solve the riddle.

  • Major advances were made in science and philosophy during The Enlightenment period in Europe.

  • Young adults typically seek enlightenment from older people who have more wisdom and experience.

  • As a young person, you should take advantage of every opportunity to seek enlightenment from adults.

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Words near enlightenment in the Dictionary