Unenlightenment: meaning, definitions and examples
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unenlightenment
[ ˌʌnɪnˈlaɪtənmənt ]
lack of knowledge
Unenlightenment refers to a state of being uninformed or lacking in understanding, particularly in a philosophical or intellectual context. It denotes an absence of enlightenment or awareness that prevents a person from comprehending deeper truths or concepts.
Synonyms
darkness, ignorance, obscurity.
Examples of usage
- The community thrived on unenlightenment, resisting new ideas and innovations.
- Her unenlightenment about the issue was evident in her simplistic arguments.
- Many societies experience periods of unenlightenment due to oppressive regimes.
Etymology
The term 'unenlightenment' is derived from the prefix 'un-', indicating negation or the absence of something, combined with the word 'enlightenment.' 'Enlightenment' itself has its roots in the Latin word 'illuminare,' which means to light up or make clear. Historically, the Age of Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries was marked by an emphasis on reason, science, and individualism over tradition and superstition. In contrast, 'unenlightenment' reflects a rejection or lack of the ideas that underpinned this transformative era, highlighting societal struggles against ignorance and the quest for knowledge. The word captures a sense of stagnation in understanding where critical thought is either absent or resisted.