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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nevertheless, viewers need some enlightenment as to what's going on. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Joy, compassion, love, enlightenment, illumination, wisdom — [these are] the things that ultimately make life enjoyable in the moment. Big Think, 14 Mar. 2025 This isn’t about rushing into enlightenment but more about creating gentle, sustainable habits that feed your soul. Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 2 Mar. 2025 The enlightenment championed by the May 4 and June 4 movements may have never arrived, Wang argues, but nor was the quest in vain. Philip Tinari, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enlightenment

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enlightenment was in 1621

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Cite this Entry

“Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enlightenment. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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