enlightenment
en-LY-tun-munt
/ɪnˈlaɪtnmənt/
The state of having been given greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation; in religion, the attainment of spiritual insight.
Can refer to a specific historical period (The Enlightenment) or a personal 'aha!' moment of profound truth.
The story behind the word. The word literally means 'to bring light into'. It uses the metaphor of light to represent knowledge and darkness to represent ignorance, a concept found in almost every culture.
Word relationships
- illumination: Illumination is the process of being lit up with knowledge; enlightenment is the resulting state of understanding.
- nirvana: Nirvana is a specific Buddhist term for the end of suffering; enlightenment is a broader term for spiritual insight.
- ignorance: Ignorance is a lack of knowledge, the opposite of enlightenment.
- delusion: Delusion is believing something false, whereas enlightenment is seeing the truth.
Commonly confused with
- education: Education is the systematic learning of facts; enlightenment is a deeper, often sudden, realization of truth.
Word family
- enlighten (verb): To give someone greater knowledge and understanding.
- enlightened (adjective): Having or showing a rational, modern, and well-informed outlook.
Collocations
- spiritual enlightenment
- seek enlightenment
- the Age of Enlightenment
Example sentences
- "Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed nonage." Defining the historical movement.
- "After years of meditation, the monk finally reached a state of enlightenment." Religious context.
Memory hook
When the 'Light' goes on in your 'Mind', that's 'En-lighten-ment'. Gaining deep truth.
When not to use
Don't use for minor realizations; it implies a fundamental shift in how one sees the world.
Fun facts
- The Buddha's name literally means 'The Enlightened One' or 'The Awakened One'.
Related words
Explore more words
epiphany, insightful, Insight, perspicacious, perceptive, hindsight
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