enlightenment
- 01 C1 Advanced
the state of understanding something deeply or clearly after being taught or having a new experience.
the state of being intellectually or spiritually instructed; a state of clarity and knowledge that replaces ignorance.
Simple“The book provided great enlightenment on the complex history of the region.”
In context“The seminar was designed to provide spiritual enlightenment to those seeking a deeper connection with their inner selves.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'on' or 'about' to indicate the subject of the knowledge.
- 02 C1 Advanced
a period in the 1700s when European thinkers began to emphasize science, reason, and individual rights.
the 18th-century intellectual movement that advocated for reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy.
Simple“Many modern ideas about democracy and human rights come from the Enlightenment.”
In context“Scholars often debate the extent to which the Enlightenment influenced the political upheavals of the late eighteenth century.”
Teacher's tipWhen referring to the historical period, it is almost always capitalized as 'the Enlightenment'.
Synonymsage of reason - 03 C2 Proficiency
in some religions, a state of perfect knowledge or peace where you understand the truth about life.
the attainment of ultimate spiritual knowledge or insight, particularly within Buddhist or Hindu traditions.
Simple“He spent years meditating in the mountains in search of enlightenment.”
In context“The path to enlightenment in Zen Buddhism requires disciplined practice and the transcendence of the ego.”
UsageIn this sense, the word is uncountable.
“The ultimate goal of Buddhist practitioners is enlightenment, or nirvana – freedom from the cycle of birth and death and suffering.”
“They then turned down a support slot on the Smiths’ US tour because half the group had by then joined an esoteric meditation cult and the scheduling would have clashed with the bassist’s enlightenment.”
Proprialization from enlightenment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.