the Enlightenment

noun

: a movement of the 18th century that stressed the belief that science and logic give people more knowledge and understanding than tradition and religion

Examples of the Enlightenment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Before the Enlightenment, art and science were one. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 20 Sep. 2024 Protections for academic freedom in medieval times helped pave the way for a flourishing of individual liberties in the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Bradford Vivian / Made By History, TIME, 16 Aug. 2024 The late eighteenth century witnessed the pinnacle of the Enlightenment in Europe, before the continent descended into the hell of the Napoleonic Wars. Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2022 Not just as an investment, but with a bit of idealism: To continue the tradition of the Enlightenment. Marcel Fürstenau, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the Enlightenment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the Enlightenment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near the Enlightenment

Cite this Entry

“The Enlightenment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20Enlightenment. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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