enlightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'enlightened' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective to describe someone who has become more aware or has a greater understanding of something after gaining new knowledge or experiences. Example sentence: After attending the seminar on sustainability, Jane felt more enlightened about environmental issues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can also say that the Brazilian government's approach to the uncontacted people is very enlightened.

The Guardian

Thus enlightened, I return to the shelves to discover that, among the plethora of recipes for coq au vin, a handful concede they can also be made with riesling "along the same lines" – somewhat surprisingly, given that rich, dark coq au vin and tangy, creamy coq au riesling seem two very different spins on the same basic ingredients to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is a lofty, light-filled sitting room and an elegant dining room where you can enjoy excellent home cooking with a huge variety of vegetables and herbs from the medieval potager, and enlightened conversation with your cultured and charming hosts.

The Guardian - Travel

"My view of sustainability is one of enlightened self-interest - that every investment in sustainability should also return value to the business," says Kurt Kuehn, chief financial officer at UPS. "Our investments in route-optimization technology, for example, have helped us reduce the number of miles our drivers travel each day - driving down fuel costs and reducing our emissions.

The Guardian

Civil-society organisations, enlightened political and judicial leadership, and the advance of the liberal idea that the state has no business regulating the harmless activities of adults will all play a role.

The Economist

Where possible, trial data also should be open for other researchers to inspect and test.The most enlightened journals are already becoming less averse to humdrum papers.

The Economist

With his death, Mexico has lost not its richest industrialist, but arguably its most enlightened.

The Economist

In the short term enlightened bankruptcy laws reduce unemployment by keeping viable companies alive.

The Economist

So far, enlightened self-interest has trumped personal dislike for Mr Bush in the region.

The Economist

Enlightened self-interest, however, motivates people and leads to harmony with nature.

The Economist

"The Insider" (Viking India), a novel by a former prime minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, makes it clear that self-seeking and venality were the order of the day in Indian politics right from the first days of Pandit Nehru's enlightened rule.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enlightened" avoid contexts where the term might sound condescending or self-righteous. Consider alternatives like "informed" or "knowledgeable" if there is a risk of appearing superior.

Common error

Avoid using "enlightened" when a simpler term like "informed" or "aware" would suffice. Overusing "enlightened" in everyday situations can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The word "enlightened" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of enhanced understanding, wisdom, or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enlightened" is a versatile adjective used to describe a state of being informed, aware, and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its common occurrence in news, formal business, and scientific contexts underscores its relevance in conveying informed perspectives. When using "enlightened", be mindful of the potential for sounding pretentious and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. Overall, it is a powerful word for expressing intellectual or spiritual insight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informed

Focuses on the state of having information or knowledge.

aware

Highlights the consciousness or perception of a particular fact or situation.

educated

Emphasizes the knowledge gained through learning or instruction.

knowledgeable

Indicates having a wide range of information or expertise.

wise

Stresses the ability to make sound judgments based on experience and understanding.

insightful

Suggests having a deep understanding of a situation or issue.

perceptive

Implies being able to understand people and situations quickly and accurately.

astute

Conveys shrewdness and the ability to assess situations effectively.

discerning

Focuses on having good judgment and being able to distinguish between things.

well-informed

Highlights the quality of having access to reliable and up-to-date information.

FAQs

How can I use "enlightened" in a sentence?

You can use "enlightened" to describe someone who is well-informed and understanding, as in, "The company's policies reflect an "enlightened approach" to employee well-being."

What are some alternatives to the word "enlightened"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "informed", "aware", or "knowledgeable".

Is it correct to say someone is "enlightened" about a topic?

Yes, it is correct to say someone is "enlightened" about a topic, implying they have gained significant understanding or insight into it. For example, "She became truly "enlightened" after reading several books on the subject."

What's the difference between "enlightened" and "woke"?

"Enlightened" generally refers to intellectual or spiritual understanding, while "woke" often refers to being aware of social injustices and systemic inequalities. While there can be overlap, they emphasize different aspects of awareness.