enlightenment

noun

en·​light·​en·​ment in-ˈlī-tᵊn-mənt 

en-

1

: the act or means of enlightening : the state of being enlightened

2

Enlightenment : 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

In Buddhism, bodhicitta is, essentially, a desire to attain enlightenment in order to free all beings from suffering. — Goth Shakira, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

At his teacher’s direction, Pannakara traveled to Myanmar between 2018 and 2020 to study and practice Vipassana meditation, an ancient technique taught by the Buddha himself as core for attaining enlightenment. — Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026

The poem depicts writing as a joyful quest for enlightenment, of transforming darkness into light. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Buddhists believe elephants are Buddha-like, symbolizing patience, wisdom and enlightenment. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1