enlightenment

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see also: Enlightenment

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Etymology

From enlighten + -ment.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪnˈlaɪtənmənt/, /ənˈlaɪtənmənt/, /-laɪtmənt/

Noun

enlightenment (uncountable)

1. An act of enlightening, or the state of being enlightened or instructed.
2. A concept in spirituality, philosophy and psychology related to achieving clarity of perception, reason and knowledge.

Synonyms

• epiphany
• peace that passeth understanding
• satori, zen

Translations

• German: Aufklärung
• Italian: illuminismo
• Portuguese: esclarecimento
• Russian: просвеще́ние
• Spanish: iluminado

Translations

• French: illumination
• German: Aufklärung
• Italian: illuminazione
• Russian: просвеще́ние
• Spanish: iluminación, ilustración, iluminismo

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Enlightenment

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Proper noun

1. A 17th- and 18th-century philosophical movement in European history; the Age of Enlightenment or Age of Reason emphasizing rationalism.

   Synonyms: age of reason, Aufklärung

   • 1997, Chris Horrocks, Introducing Foucault, page 36 (Totem Books, Icon Books; ISBN 1840460865

     He first presented a complementary thesis on the Enlightenment philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), in which he used the term “archaeology” for the first time, and which indicated the period of history to which he was constantly to return.
     The Enlightenment: the intellectual, philosophical, cultural and scientific spirit of the 18th century. A belief in reason, progress, man’s “maturity” and a general rejection of tradition, religion and authority.

Translations

• French: lumière
• German: Aufklärung
• Italian: illuminismo
• Portuguese: Iluminismo
• Russian: Просвеще́ние
• Spanish: Ilustración, Iluminismo, el Siglo de las Luces

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