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
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Boyle’s thrilling reboot offers enlightenment as well. Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 June 2025 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.com, 29 May 2025 Indeed, there’s a kind of unexpected, strange joy because of it – an enlightenment in becoming bonded to another species that enables us to see all forms of life differently. Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 20 May 2025 Those who meet him achieve an unwanted enlightenment about their place in the world. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 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 5 Jul. 2025.

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