enlightenment

noun

en·​light·​en·​ment in-ˈlī-tᵊn-mənt How to pronounce enlightenment (audio)
en-
1
: the act or means of enlightening : the state of being enlightened
2
capitalized : a philosophical movement of the 18th century marked by a rejection of traditional social, religious, and political ideas and an emphasis on rationalism
used with the
3
Buddhism : a final blessed state marked by the absence of desire or suffering

Examples of enlightenment in a Sentence

the search for spiritual enlightenment His comments failed to provide enlightenment. the enlightenment of the public through education
Recent Examples on the Web But the Clipper mission signifies a dawning era of enlightenment as this region’s subsurface seas snap into sharper focus. Nadia Drake, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2024 This is a powerful moment for healing and connection — deep emotional conversations bring enlightenment. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024 Drake, thank you and may this next journey be one of great enlightenment. Shania Russell, EW.com, 29 Sep. 2024 Edible enlightenment from our eatery experts and colleagues Monie Begley, Richard Nalley and Randall Lane, as well as brothers Bob, Kip and Tim. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enlightenment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enlightenment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlightenment was in 1621

Dictionary Entries Near enlightenment

Cite this Entry

“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightenment. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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