Buddhist
/ˈbʊd.ɪst/noun
A person who follows or practices Buddhism.
Did you know?Buddha was not originally a name but a Sanskrit title meaning “awakened” or “enlightened,” from a root associated with waking, noticing, and understanding.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bheudh-
“To become aware, notice, or awaken to understanding.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
budh
“To wake up, become conscious, perceive, or understand.”
5th–4th Century BCE
Sanskrit
buddha
“Awakened or enlightened; the title traditionally given to Siddhartha Gautama.”
Ancient Pali
Pali
buddha
“The awakened or enlightened one.”
18th Century
French
bouddhiste
“A follower of Buddha or Buddhism.”
18th Century
English
Buddhist
“A person who follows or practices Buddhism.”