Benighted: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
benighted
[ bษชหnaษชtษชd ]
state of ignorance
Benighted refers to a state of being in the dark, both literally and figuratively. It can describe a person or a group that is unaware or uninformed about certain knowledge or issues, often implying a state of ignorance or backwardness.
Synonyms
deluded, ignorant, obscured, unenlightened.
Examples of usage
- The benighted villagers had no access to modern technology.
- His benighted views on women's rights shocked many.
- The documentary aimed to enlighten those who held benighted opinions.
- Traveling to different cultures can reveal how benighted some beliefs really are.
Translations
Translations of the word "benighted" in other languages:
๐ต๐น ignorante
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคเฅเคเคพเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช unwissend
๐ฎ๐ฉ terbelakang
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะตะฒัะณะปะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ nieลwiadomy
๐ฏ๐ต ็ก็ฅใช
๐ซ๐ท ignorant
๐ช๐ธ ignorante
๐น๐ท cehalet iรงinde
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌด์งํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฌุงูู
๐จ๐ฟ neznalรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ nevedomรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๆ ็ฅ็
๐ธ๐ฎ neveden
๐ฎ๐ธ รณvitur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑัะปะผะตะนััะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แฃแชแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ bilmษz
๐ฒ๐ฝ ignorante
Etymology
The term 'benighted' originates from the Old English word 'bฤnฤahte,' which means 'to envelop in darkness.' It combines the prefix 'be-' meaning 'all around' or 'about,' and the word 'night,' signifying a state of being surrounded by darkness. Historically used in literary contexts, 'benighted' evolved to represent not only physical darkness but also a metaphorical condition of ignorance or lack of knowledge about moral and social issues. Its usage peaked during the 19th century, often appearing in speeches and writings that criticized societal norms and advocated for enlightenment. The term encapsulates a significant cultural critique of the time, pointing to the dangers of ignorance and the need for social and moral awakening.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #24,499, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 24496 grille
- 24497 optionally
- 24498 segregating
- 24499 benighted
- 24500 unflinching
- 24501 straddling
- 24502 neurologist
- ...