Enlightened: meaning, definitions and examples

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enlightened

 

[ ɪnˈlaɪtnd ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

state of mind

Having or showing a deep understanding or insight; spiritually aware; free from ignorance and misinformation.

Synonyms

aware, knowledgeable, perceptive, wise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enlightened

Use this word to describe someone who has achieved a deep understanding or has been freed from ignorance and misinformation, often related to spirituality or philosophy.

  • He felt enlightened after the meditation retreat.
  • Her enlightened approach to the issue helped resolve the conflict.
wise

Ideal for describing someone who has good judgment and the ability to make sound decisions, often gained through experience and knowledge.

  • It would be wise to save money for emergencies.
  • She offered some wise advice to the young students.
aware

Appropriate for describing someone who knows about a particular situation or fact, often related to being conscious of one's surroundings or understanding social issues.

  • She is aware of the environmental impact of her actions.
  • Are you aware of the risks involved in this project?
knowledgeable

Best used to describe someone who has a lot of information or understanding about a specific subject.

  • He is very knowledgeable about ancient history.
  • She gave a knowledgeable lecture on climate change.
perceptive

Describes someone who is good at noticing, understanding, or interpreting things quickly, especially subtle details.

  • Her perceptive comments during the discussion were really helpful.
  • He is very perceptive and notices things most people overlook.

Examples of usage

  • He became more enlightened after years of meditation.
  • She had an enlightened perspective on the situation.
Context #2 | Verb

education

To give knowledge or understanding to someone; to educate or inform.

Synonyms

educate, illuminate, inform, teach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enlightened

Used to describe a person who has gained knowledge or insight, often in a spiritual or moral sense.

  • After studying various philosophies, he considered himself enlightened
educate

Used when referring to providing instruction or schooling in a formal setting, like a school or training program.

  • Teachers work hard to educate children in various subjects
inform

Used to explain the act of providing facts or information to someone.

  • They informed the staff about the new company policies
teach

Used to describe the broader act of helping someone learn, often by example or through direct instruction.

  • She teaches math to high school students
illuminate

Often used metaphorically to describe the act of making something clear or understandable, particularly by providing insight or information.

  • The professor’s lecture helped illuminate the complex concept

Examples of usage

  • The teacher enlightened the students with a fascinating lecture.
  • He enlightened his colleagues on the latest developments in the industry.

Translations

Translations of the word "enlightened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iluminado

🇮🇳 प्रबुद्ध

🇩🇪 aufgeklärt

🇮🇩 tercerahkan

🇺🇦 просвітлений

🇵🇱 oświecony

🇯🇵 啓発された

🇫🇷 éclairé

🇪🇸 iluminado

🇹🇷 aydınlanmış

🇰🇷 깨달은

🇸🇦 مستنير

🇨🇿 osvícený

🇸🇰 osvietený

🇨🇳 开明的

🇸🇮 razsvetljen

🇮🇸 upplýstur

🇰🇿 ағартылған

🇬🇪 განათლებული

🇦🇿 maariflənmiş

🇲🇽 iluminado

Etymology

The word 'enlightened' comes from the verb 'enlighten', which dates back to the 14th century. It combines the prefix 'en-' (meaning 'to put into') and the word 'light'. The concept of enlightenment has roots in various philosophical and religious traditions, emphasizing the attainment of knowledge, understanding, and spiritual insight.

See also: enlightening, enlightenment, unenlightened.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,244 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.