Definition

Describing a state of being uninformed or lacking knowledge, often due to ignorance or a lack of enlightenment.

Example

The benighted villagers had little access to education and modern ideas.

Conversation

I read a book that described a society that was completely benighted.

That sounds interesting! What made it so dark?

It focused on how people were trapped in their ignorance.

Wow, it's sad to think about how many people live in such benighted conditions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Benighted is formed from "be-" (meaning to cause to be) and "night" (from Old English "niht", meaning the period of darkness). The word describes a state of being caused to be in darkness, often used metaphorically to refer to ignorance or lack of enlightenment.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'caused to be' ('be-') in 'darkness' ('night') — that's why benighted means being in a state of ignorance or lack of knowledge.

Visually Confused Words