ENLIGHTENMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Enlightenment refers to a period of philosophical and intellectual movement that emerged in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, also known as the Age of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason. It was characterized by a focus on reason, scientific inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
In its broader sense, enlightenment is the state or process of being enlightened or having an elevated level of understanding and insight. It involves gaining clarity, wisdom, and expanded consciousness to transcend ignorance, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness.
Enlightenment can also refer to the specific philosophical principles and ideas associated with the Enlightenment period, such as humanism, rationalism, secularism, and skepticism. These ideas challenged traditional authority, religious dogma, and superstition, promoting critical thinking and the use of reason to advance knowledge and society.
Furthermore, enlightenment can denote a spiritual or mystical experience where an individual achieves a profound realization or a direct understanding of their true nature, existence, or the nature of reality itself. In this sense, it represents an awakening or a state of profound insight and liberation from conceptual limitations and conditioned beliefs. This type of enlightenment is often associated with Eastern religions, such as Buddhism or Hinduism, as well as various mystical traditions.
Overall, enlightenment encompasses various intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual aspects, all characterized by the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and the advancement of human society.
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State of being enlightened or instructed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of ENLIGHTENMENT
The word "enlightenment" has its roots in the Latin term "enlighten", which was derived from the Old English word "inlihtan" or "anlihtan". This Old English term is a combination of "an" (meaning "on" or "in") and "lihtan" (meaning "to shed light" or "illuminate"). Through Old French influence, the word evolved into "enlightenment" in Middle English, eventually taking its present form. The concept of enlightenment gained prominence during the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, particularly during the Age of Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, logic, and scientific inquiry as enlightened ways of thinking and understanding the world.
Idioms with the word ENLIGHTENMENT
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the Enlightenment
The idiom "the Enlightenment" refers to an intellectual and philosophical movement in the 18th century that focused on reason, logic, and the improvement and progress of society. It emerged as a response to the religious dogmas and absolute monarchy prevalent at the time. The Enlightenment emphasized the power of human reason and science to discover the truth, promote individual freedoms, and advance knowledge. It had a profound impact on various fields, including politics, literature, art, and education, and its ideas significantly shaped Western civilization.
Similar spelling words for ENLIGHTENMENT
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