'enlightenment' originates from the Middle English word 'enlighten,' which is derived from the Old English 'inlihtan,' where 'in-' meant 'in' and 'lihtan' meant 'to make light or illuminate.'

'inlihtan' transformed into the Middle English word 'enlighten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'enlightenment.'

Initially, it meant 'to make light or illuminate,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'gaining knowledge or understanding.'