enlightenment etymology

Etymology

The word "enlightenment" originates from the Middle English word "enlighten," which means "to provide with light" or "to make clear." It is derived from the Old English word "onliehtan" or "onlihtan," which has the same meaning and is composed of two elements:

• "on" (prefix): meaning "on" or "up"
• "lieht" (noun): meaning "light"

Meaning

In the context of philosophy and religion, "enlightenment" refers to:

• A state of increased understanding and knowledge.
• A period of intellectual and cultural progress.
• A profound or transformative realization.

Origin

The concept of enlightenment has been used throughout history in various cultures and religions. However, the term is most closely associated with the European Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Key Features of the Enlightenment:

• Emphasis on reason and rationalism: Enlightenment thinkers rejected traditional beliefs and superstition, advocating for the use of reason and logic in understanding the world.
• Humanism: Enlightenment thinkers placed great value on the human individual, their rights, and their capacity for improvement.
• Scientific method: The Enlightenment saw the development of the scientific method as a means of acquiring knowledge objectively and empirically.
• Progress and optimism: Enlightenment thinkers believed in the potential for human progress and the betterment of society through the spread of knowledge and education.
• Toleration and religious freedom: Enlightenment thinkers promoted tolerance towards different viewpoints and religious beliefs.

enlightenment relate terms

• 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

• enlightened

  Etymology enlight from Old French enluminer meaning to illuminate or brighten

• amazement

  Etymology of Amazement The word amazement has its roots in Old French derived from t

• betterment

  Etymology The word betterment is derived from the Old English betrian meaning to ma

• merriment

  Etymology Middle English mirthe from Old English myrþ Cognates with other Germanic la

• nirvana

  Etymology Sanskrit न र्व ण nirvāṇa Meaning Extinguishment cess

• philosophe

• illumination

  Etymology Latin illuminare to light up brighten enlighten Root lux light Me

• self conscious

  Etymology Self from Old English self meaning one s own being or person Conscious fr

• illuminati

  Etymology Illuminati comes from the Latin illuminatus meaning enlightened or illu

• reason

  Etymology The word reason derives from the Old French word raison which in turn ori

• mysticism

  Etymology Late Middle English from Late Latin mysticus from Greek mystikos pertainin

• education

  Etymology The word education originates from the Latin word educere which literally

• edification

  Etymology The word edification originates from the Latin term aedificare which means

• aorist

  Etymology The word aorist comes from the Greek word aóristos meaning indefinite or