enlightenment

noun
UK: /ɪnˈlaɪtnmənt/
US: /ɪnˈlaɪtənmənt/

  1. The state of understanding something.

    1. After the lesson, I had an enlightenment.
    2. Reading that book gave me a new enlightenment on the human condition and its complexities.

  2. The state of having knowledge or understanding, especially of spiritual matters.

    1. He found enlightenment through meditation.
    2. Seeking enlightenment, she spent years studying Buddhism and practicing mindfulness techniques.

  3. A philosophical movement of the 18th century that emphasized the use of reason and science.

    1. The Enlightenment changed society.
    2. The ideals of the Enlightenment, with their emphasis on reason and individual liberty, profoundly influenced the American Revolution.

Synonyms

awareness insight illumination wisdom understanding awakening

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "enlightenment" in English means: The state of understanding something., The state of having knowledge or understanding, especially of spiritual matters., A philosophical movement of the 18th century that emphasized the use of reason and science..

The phonetic transcription of "enlightenment" is /ɪnˈlaɪtnmənt/ in British English and /ɪnˈlaɪtənmənt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "enlightenment": awareness, insight, illumination, wisdom, understanding, awakening.

Example usage of "enlightenment": "After the lesson, I had an enlightenment.". More examples on the page.