enlightenment

/ˌɛnlˈaɪtənmənt/ · 4 syllables

Meaning

noun

1. education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge
2. (Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
3. 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”

Synonyms for enlightenment

• nirvana
• Age of Reason

Antonyms of enlightenment

• unenlightenment