age of reason
C2Formal, Literary, Historical
Definition
Meaning
The historical period of the Enlightenment (c. late 17th–18th century), characterised by a focus on reason, science, and individualism.
1. Any period in which rational thought and philosophy are dominant. 2. In a developmental context (dated), the age at which a child is considered capable of moral reasoning, typically around seven years old. 3. In a legal context, the age at which a person attains full legal rights and responsibilities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
When capitalised ('Age of Reason'), it almost exclusively refers to the historical Enlightenment period. The lower-case variant can have the extended meanings, but is less common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. American usage might more frequently reference it in foundational political or historical discourse.
Connotations
Connotes intellectualism, philosophical progress, secularism, and a departure from superstition or absolute monarchy.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in academic/historical contexts; very low in everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the Age of Reasonan age of reasonreach the age of reasonVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific phrase]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used, except metaphorically in leadership talks: 'We need an age of reason in our decision-making process.'
Academic
Frequent in history, philosophy, literature, and political science courses.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used as a proper historical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The philosophers who **reasoned** most powerfully defined the Age of Reason.
American English
- He **reasoned** that the principles of the Age of Reason should guide modern policy.
adverb
British English
- He argued **reasonably**, in the spirit of the Age of Reason.
American English
- The treatise was **reasonably** composed, reflecting its Age of Reason origins.
adjective
British English
- His **reasonable** approach was seen as very modern, almost **Age-of-Reason** in its logic.
American English
- They advocated for a more **reason-based**, **Age-of-Reason** style of governance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not typical for A2 level) Long ago was the Age of Reason.
- The Age of Reason was a time when people valued science very much.
- Voltaire was a key writer during the Age of Reason, advocating for tolerance and free thought.
- The shift from divine-right monarchy to social contract theory was a hallmark of the Age of Reason.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a huge, glowing lightbulb (representing an idea) switching on over a map of 18th-century Europe. The 'Age of Reason' is when humanity 'saw the light' of logic.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIGHT IS KNOWLEDGE/REASON ('The Enlightenment shone a light on...'), DAWN/AWAKENING IS THE START OF INTELLECTUAL PROGRESS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'reason' as 'причина' (cause). Use 'разум' (intellect, mind) or 'рационализм'. The phrase is a calque 'Эпоха Разума' or more commonly 'Эпоха Просвещения'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with the 'Age of Exploration'. Using 'reason' in its verb sense ('to reason something out'). Misspelling as 'age of *season*'. Using it to mean simply 'a sensible time in one's life'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'the Age of Reason'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most contexts they are synonymous, though 'Enlightenment' is the more common academic term.
The phrase 'the age of reason' (lowercase) can refer to when a child reaches moral understanding (~7 years), but this is now dated and largely theological.
It is broadly considered to span the late 17th century through the end of the 18th century, with key events like the Glorious Revolution (1688) and the French Revolution (1789) as bookends.
While centred in Europe, its ideas influenced movements worldwide, including the American Revolution and colonial independence movements.