Historically, the word 'benighted' was associated with the literal experience of being overtaken by night, particularly in the context of travel or exploration. As the word evolved, it took on figurative meanings, symbolizing the feeling of being in the dark about a situation, whether intellectually, emotionally, or morally. Its use in literature reflects its dual meaning: on one hand, a physical state of being overtaken by night, and on the other, a state of ignorance or lack of understanding that can only be dispelled by knowledge or enlightenment.
No exact match translations found for 'Benighted' in bodo.
Word 'Benighted' in Other Languages
- Benighted in Assamese অসমীয়া
- Benighted in Bengali বাংলা
- Benighted in Bodo बड़ो
- Benighted in Dogri डोगरी
- Benighted in English
- Benighted in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- Benighted in Hindi हिन्दी
- Benighted in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- Benighted in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- Benighted in Konkani कोंकणी
- Benighted in Maithili মৈথিলী
- Benighted in Malayalam മലയാളം
- Benighted in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- Benighted in Marathi मराठी
- Benighted in Nepali नेपाली
- Benighted in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- Benighted in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Benighted in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- Benighted in Santali
- Benighted in Sindhi سنڌي
- Benighted in Tamil தமிழ்
- Benighted in Telugu తెలుగు
- Benighted in Urdu اُردُو
Benighted
Part of Speech
Adjective / Verb
Pronunciation
/bɪˈnaɪtɪd/
Definitions
- Adjective: Overtaken by darkness; enveloped in darkness.
- Adjective: In a state of moral or intellectual darkness; ignorant or unenlightened.
- Verb: To cause to be overtaken by darkness or obscurity.
Usage Examples
- The travelers were benighted in the forest after sunset.
- His benighted views on the subject were challenged by new evidence.
Etymology
The word 'benighted' is derived from Middle English 'benahten,' meaning to be overtaken by night. It is formed from 'be-' meaning 'by' or 'upon' and 'night,' reflecting the idea of being overtaken by darkness.
Synonyms
- Ignorant
- Darkened
- Unenlightened
Antonyms
- Enlightened
- Illuminated
- Informed
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | अंधकार में लाया हुआ | /əndʰəkɑːr mẽː lāyā hu'ā/ |
| Spanish | Oscurecido | /oskuɾeˈθiðo/ |
| French | Obscurci | /ɔbskyʁsi/ |
| Chinese | 被夜幕笼罩 | /bèi yèmù lǒngzhào/ |
| Arabic | مظلم | /muẓlim/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /bɪˈnaɪtɪd/
- American English: /bɪˈnaɪtɪd/
Historical Usage
The word 'benighted' was historically used in both literal and figurative contexts. In earlier centuries, it was common to use the term to describe a traveler overtaken by nightfall or someone caught in the literal darkness. Over time, it became more commonly used in literature and philosophy to describe a state of ignorance or lack of enlightenment, often in the context of social or intellectual discussions.
Cultural Nuances
The term 'benighted' often carries a sense of being lost or trapped in darkness, which can be symbolic of ignorance, despair, or helplessness. In literature, it is frequently used to describe a character or society that is morally or intellectually underdeveloped, adding to the sense of hopelessness or struggle for enlightenment.