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A.Word.A.Day--benighted

benighted (bi-NYT-id) adjective

1. Intellectually, morally, or socially ignorant; unenlightened.

2. Overtaken by night or darkness.

[From be- + night + -ed.]

"It will come as a surprise to many that consumption is not now nor was it ever the driving force in the U.S. or any other economy. The benighted among us on this matter include most politicians, TV talking heads and a surprising number of economists." Terrorism, Consumption and Economic Recovery; The Korea Times (Seoul, South Korea); Sep 30, 2001.

"That moment, across the long benighted mind of Captain Delano, a flash of revelation swept ..." Herman Melville; Benito Cereno; 1856.

This week's theme: words for insults.

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