Benighted: meaning, definitions and examples

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benighted

 

[ bษชหˆnaษชtษชd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ignorante

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคœเฅเคžเคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช unwissend

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ terbelakang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฒั–ะณะปะฐั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nieล›wiadomy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็„ก็Ÿฅใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ignorant

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ignorante

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท cehalet iรงinde

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌด์ง€ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุงู‡ู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ neznalรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nevedomรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ— ็Ÿฅ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ neveden

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณvitur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑั–ะปะผะตะนั‚ั–ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒชแƒœแƒแƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bilmษ™z

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ignorante

Etymology

The term 'benighted' originates from the Old English word 'bฤ“nฤ“ahte,' 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.