enlightened

adjective

: having or showing a good understanding of how people should be treated : not ignorant or narrow in thinking

Full Definition of ENLIGHTENED

: freed from ignorance and misinformation <an enlightened people> <an enlightened time>

: based on full comprehension of the problems involved <issued an enlightened ruling>

See enlightened defined for English-language learners

1652

Next Word in the Dictionary: enlightened self–interestPrevious Word in the Dictionary: enlightenAll Words Near: enlightened

What made you want to look up enlightened? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears