Origin: Latin suffix -ment
Enlightenment has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge
"The university's commitment to enlightenment ensured that new scientific discoveries reached students across every continent."
(Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
"After years of meditation, he finally attained enlightenment, extinguishing his desires and breaking free from the endless cycle of rebirth."
a movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine
"the Enlightenment brought about many humanitarian reforms"
An act of enlightening, or the state of being enlightened or instructed.
"The teacher's lecture marked a moment of true enlightenment, leaving everyone informed and inspired by the new ideas presented."
In plain English: Enlightenment is when you suddenly become fully aware of something important that was previously hidden from your view.
"After years of study, he finally found enlightenment about how his business was actually losing money."
Usage: Use enlightenment to describe a sudden realization that brings deep understanding about life's true nature, rather than simple factual instruction. It often refers specifically to spiritual awakening in Eastern traditions but can also denote intellectual clarity gained through study.
A 17th and 18th-century philosophical movement in European history; the Age of Enlightenment or Age of Reason emphasizing rationalism.
"The philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment championed reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy for society."
The word enlightenment is formed by adding the suffix "-ment" to the verb enlighten. It entered English as a noun describing the state of being enlightened or gaining knowledge and understanding.