enlightenment
noun
en·light·en·ment
in-ˈlī-tᵊn-mənt 
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
There was a sign of immediate enlightenment on Fairchild’s face.
—
C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Whether as a testament to the Athenian enlightenment or Periclean imperialism, the Parthenon is a monument of civilization.
—Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025
Artist Nick Dong reinterpreted the ancient concept of the banners to symbolize the victory of enlightenment rather than war.
—Diana Argabrite, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2025
Elsewhere, Tory Burch found enlightenment in a midcentury Jules Olitski sculpture, and designer Colleen Allen lit a candlestick to photograph through an opal, conjuring ideas of witchcraft.
—Ari Stark, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
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C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Whether as a testament to the Athenian enlightenment or Periclean imperialism, the Parthenon is a monument of civilization.
—Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025
Artist Nick Dong reinterpreted the ancient concept of the banners to symbolize the victory of enlightenment rather than war.
—Diana Argabrite, The Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2025
Elsewhere, Tory Burch found enlightenment in a midcentury Jules Olitski sculpture, and designer Colleen Allen lit a candlestick to photograph through an opal, conjuring ideas of witchcraft.
—Ari Stark, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enlightenment
Cite this Entry
“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightenment. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
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