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Glite Dictionary
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illuminist

illuminist

9.9
A member of an 18th-century secret group that promoted reason and science
  • noun
  • /ɪˈluːməˌnɪst/
translation icon : miembro de los Illuminati
  • The historian discovered letters written by an illuminist in the late 1700s.

Examples

  • He studied the beliefs and rituals of every known illuminist group from the Enlightenment era.

  • Many illuminists gathered to discuss their philosophies in a secret meeting.

  • Some conspiracy theories claim that an illuminist influence still exists today.

  • An illuminist believed in the power of reason and knowledge.

  • Many illuminists gathered to discuss their philosophies.

  • The historian discovered letters written by an illuminist in the late 1700s.

  • He studied the beliefs and rituals of every known illuminist group from the Enlightenment era.

Synonyms

Illuminatus
vsilluminist
9.9

A person who claims to have secret knowledge

is a specific supporter of the 18th century Bavarian organisation promoting enlightenment ideals

How Committed

leader
∞ 1.0
activist
6 3.7
illuminist
9.9
sympathizer
37 4.8

Surface Forms

illuminist singular
illuminists plural

Morphology

illuminist = illumination (opaque) = illumin + ist

The connection to 'illumination' is clear, but the specific historical meaning related to the Bavarian Illuminati is not a standard derivation.

Etymology

Illuminist can also mean a member of the 18th-century Illuminati, a group named from Latin illuminare, 'to light up' or 'make clear'. So an illuminist in this sense was someone who wanted to spread 'enlightenment' ideas and clearer knowledge.