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Meaning of benighted
The primary meaning of the word "benighted" is to describe someone or something that is in a state of moral or intellectual darkness.
Etymology of benighted
The word "benighted" has its roots in Old English "bēonīhted", which is derived from "bēon" (to be) and "niht" (night), and originally meant "overtaken by night" or "left in the dark"
Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include figurative senses, such as being in a state of moral or intellectual darkness
Synonyms
ignorant
uninformed
unenlightened
misguided
misinformed
ill-informed
benighted
obtuse
uninstructed
uneducated
unschooled
untaught
unconscious
unaware
ignorant
obtuse
insensitive
unconscious
naive
simple
foolish
foolish
misguided
misinformed
deceived
deluded
duped
hoodwinked
gulled
deceived
mistaken
confused
perplexed
bewildered
puzzled
mystified
uninformed
unenlightened
uneducated
unsophisticated
primitive
backward
unrefined
rude
uncultured
uncivilized
barbarous
savage
brutish
heathen
pagan
superstitious
credulous
gullible
Definitions
- According to Oxford Languages, "benighted" can be defined as:
- + (of a person or their mind) in a state of moral or intellectual darkness
- + (of a place or region) remote, backward, or uncivilized
- + (of a time) a period of darkness or ignorance
Usage Examples
- The village was benighted, lacking access to basic education and healthcare
- * The company's benighted approach to environmental issues has sparked widespread criticism
- * The benighted era of medieval superstition gave way to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and science