enlighten etymology

Etymology

• French: enlightener
• Latin: illuminare ("to light up, to illumine")
• Proto-Indo-European: *lewk- ("to shine, to see")

Meaning

• Verb:
  • To provide with knowledge, understanding, or insight
  • To inspire intellectually
  • To make aware of something
  • To instruct or educate
• Noun:
  • A person who provides knowledge or inspiration
  • A source of knowledge or inspiration
  • A period of intellectual or spiritual awakening

Origin

The term "enlighten" originated in the Latin word illuminare, meaning "to light up" or "to illumine." This word, in turn, comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *lewk-, which means "to shine" or "to see."

The concept of enlightenment has been present in many cultures and religions throughout history. In Buddhism, for example, enlightenment is seen as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, leading to the liberation from suffering and the attainment of Nirvana. In Christianity, the Holy Spirit is often referred to as the "Enlightener," guiding believers to truth and wisdom.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in Europe that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. This movement led to significant advances in philosophy, science, and politics.

Today, the term "enlighten" is used in a variety of contexts, including education, philosophy, religion, and popular culture.

enlighten relate terms

• enlightened

  Etymology enlight from Old French enluminer meaning to illuminate or brighten

• enlighten

  Etymology French enlightener Latin illuminare to light up to illumine Proto Indo

• lighten

  Etymology Old English lihtan be bright shine from Proto Germanic lihtaną to gi

• light

  Etymology The word light comes from the Old English word liht meaning bright or

• enlightenment

  Etymology The word enlightenment originates from the Middle English word enlighten w

• clear

  Etymology Originates from Latin clarus meaning bright clear or shining Mea

• illuminate

  Etymology The word illuminate comes from the Latin word illuminare which means to l

• civilize

  Etymology Middle English civiles from Latin civilis pertaining to a citizen from c

• argue

  Etymology The word argue derives from the Old French word arguer which in turn origi

• learn

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the historical changes in the

• renal

  Etymology The word renal originates from the Latin word ren which means kidney

• deify

  Etymology deify v from Latin deificare from deus god facere to make Meaning

• teach

  Etymology Definition The study of the origin development and meaning of words Origin

• elucidate

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It examines the chan