Enlightenment
/ɪnˈlaɪtnmənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of achieving a greater understanding or knowledge of something, often spiritual or philosophical.
/ɪnˈlaɪtnmənt/
The state of having gained spiritual or intellectual insight.
After years of study, the monk attained enlightenment.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to solve a puzzle, and suddenly, *poof!* you see how all the pieces fit together. Enlightenment is like that, but for bigger ideas about life and the world.
👶 For kids: When you learn something really important and understand it!
More Examples
Her experience brought her a moment of spiritual enlightenment.
The book explores the pursuit of self-enlightenment.
How It's Used
"The philosopher sought enlightenment through meditation."
"Buddhism aims for enlightenment, a state of ultimate understanding and liberation."
An influential 18th-century philosophical movement that stressed reason, individualism, and human rights.
/ɪnˈlaɪtnmənt/
A philosophical movement emphasizing reason and individualism.
The Enlightenment championed reason and individual liberty.
💡 Simply: The Enlightenment was a time when people started to think for themselves and question everything. It was like a big classroom where everyone was trying to learn and improve the world.
👶 For kids: A time in history when people started thinking for themselves and trying to make the world better.
More Examples
The ideas of the Enlightenment spread throughout Europe.
Key figures of the Enlightenment include Locke and Voltaire.
How It's Used
"The Enlightenment profoundly influenced modern political thought."
"Historians study the key figures and ideas of the Enlightenment."
From Old English *inlihtan* (to illuminate), influenced by the Latin *illuminare* (to light up). It gained prominence in the 18th century, associated with the Age of Enlightenment, a philosophical movement emphasizing reason and individualism.
The term 'enlightenment' gained prominence in the 18th century and was widely used to describe both the intellectual movement and individual journeys of discovery and understanding.
Memory tip
Think of a light bulb turning on in your mind – a moment of clarity and understanding.
Word Origin
"To illuminate, make clear"