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

The barbed fact is that the woman caught in the middle of this unusual male arrangement benefits from none of their newfound emotional enlightenment. —Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026

In a country without the NEA, NEH and IMLS, hundreds of small local arts groups would likely cease to exist entirely — and with them, the community, education and enlightenment that underpin our increasingly fragile, fractured society. —Arts Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

The new addition will continue the Freedom Center's priorities of education, empowerment and enlightenment to reflect on the Civil Rights movement in Oklahoma. —Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 14 Apr. 2026

This symbolizes the Buddha’s appeal to the earth to be a witness of his enlightenment and of his defeat of the demon Mara. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1