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What is another word for Enlightenment? – 133 Enlightenment Synonyms

    Need another word for Enlightenment? Use these synonyms of Enlightenment from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    illumination awareness understanding insight knowledge realization perception comprehension discernment appreciation recognition awareness edification education culture refinement sophistication intelligence acumen wisdom prudence judiciousness astuteness shrewdness sagacity erudition enlightenment awareness illumination edification education culture refinement sophistication intelligence discernment perception comprehension realization awareness understanding insight knowledge

    Meaning of Enlightenment

    The state of being enlightened, or the process of becoming enlightened.

    Definitions

    • The state of having knowledge or understanding, especially about the natural world or the human condition
    • * A movement in 18th-century Europe that emphasized reason, individualism, and the scientific method
    • * A state of spiritual awareness or insight, often associated with Buddhism or other Eastern religions

    Etymology of Enlightenment

    The word "enlightenment" comes from the Old English words "in" (meaning "to" or "into") and "līhtan" (meaning "to make light"), and the Old French word "enluminer" (meaning "to illuminate")
    The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe a state of spiritual or intellectual awareness
    In the 18th century, the term became associated with the European Enlightenment, a movement that emphasized reason, science, and individualism

    Example Uses

    • The philosopher's enlightenment came when she realized the importance of empirical evidence in scientific inquiry
    • * The Buddhist monk sought enlightenment through meditation and self-reflection
    • * The Enlightenment values of reason and individualism shaped the course of modern Western history

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    ignorance darkness unawareness misunderstanding misperception confusion bewilderment perplexity puzzlement obscurity ambiguity uncertainty doubt skepticism cynicism nihilism pessimism despair hopelessness darkness gloom bleakness despondency

    Related Nouns

    philosophy science history culture religion spirituality awareness understanding knowledge insight perception comprehension discernment education edification refinement sophistication intelligence wisdom prudence astuteness sagacity erudition illumination

    Related Verbs

    learn discover realize understand comprehend perceive discern educate edify refine sophisticate enlighten illuminate inspire motivate teach instruct guide mentor coach tutor

    Related Adjectives

    enlightened aware informed knowledgeable intelligent wise prudent astute sagacious erudite refined sophisticated cultured educated edified illuminated inspired motivated discerning perceptive comprehending understanding