enlightened

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adjective en·light·ened \ in-ˈlī-tᵊnd , en- \

Definition of enlightened

1 :freed from ignorance and misinformation

an enlightened people

an enlightened time

2 :based on full comprehension of the problems involved

issued an enlightened ruling

See enlightened defined for English-language learners

Examples of enlightened in a Sentence

an enlightened approach to prison reform

Recent Examples of enlightened from the Web

Conservationists, more enlightened anglers and wildlife agencies tracking a rising tide of violations on social media hope the backlash can curb behavior that is easy to condemn — but difficult to prosecute.

— jenny staletovich, miamiherald, "Florida ‘Jackass’ anglers troll social media and the law struggles to catch them," 17 Aug. 2017
We are often taught, as the enlightened and even scientific verdict, that blacks and whites occupy radically different environments today, and that these differences can explain the entire black–white IQ gap.

— john mcwhorter, National Review, "Stop Obsessing Over Race and IQ," 5 July 2017
The tech elite’s burgeoning concern could be described as part moral obligation, part enlightened self-interest.

— Fortune, "Why Free Money for Everyone Is Silicon Valley’s Next Big Idea," 29 June 2017
Not far away, Edward Wittkofski, of Shelton, enlightened visitors about Wallace's Circus, a curious case of wartime propaganda.

— janice steinhagen, Courant Community, "History Buffs Re-Create The Great War," 28 June 2017
That generation is so enlightened, and that's very encouraging.

— richard deitsch, SI.com, "LGBTQ media members discuss their experiences, future, Ryan O’Callaghan and more," 25 June 2017
Whatever this is—the dream of the enlightened man or perhaps even just the dream of a man who seems Brazilian—

— caity weaver, GQ, "The Ken Doll Reboot: Beefy, Cornrowed, and Pan-Racial," 21 June 2017
Its ads for Axe body spray have also shed their sexualized portrayal of women who lust after men; a recent campaign promotes a more enlightened version of masculinity.

— claire zillman, Fortune, "How Some of the World’s Biggest Brands Are Fighting Sexism in Advertising," 20 June 2017
Enlightened police departments, meanwhile, are working to demilitarize their approach to drugs.

— froma harrop, The Denver Post, "The U.S. has an opioid epidemic, and the Trump administration is cracking down on … pot?," 13 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enlightened.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of enlightened

1578

ENLIGHTENED Defined for English Language Learners

enlightened

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adjective

Definition of enlightened for English Language Learners

: having or showing a good understanding of how people should be treated : not ignorant or narrow in thinking

Learn More about enlightened

Nglish: Translation of enlightened for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of enlightened for Arabic speakers

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enlightened

Definition of enlightened

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ENLIGHTENED Defined for English Language Learners

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