Deva
/ˈdeɪ.və/noun
A term in Hinduism and Buddhism referring to a deity or divine being.
Did you know?In Vedic texts, 'deva' not only signifies gods but also embodies the very essence of light, linking divinity with illumination and enlightenment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deywós
“Divine or heavenly being, associated with brightness.”
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
देव (deva)
“A shining or divine being, often associated with gods in the Vedic tradition.”
Old Persian
Old Persian
𐎭𐎠𐎼𐎭 (daiva)
“A term for a god or celestial being, indicating a shared Indo-Iranian heritage.”
Avestan
Avestan
𐬛𐬀𐬌𐬙𐬀 (daēva)
“Refers to a spirit or deity, notably in the context of Zoroastrianism.”
Modern English
English
Deva
“Retained as a term for divine beings in religious and esoteric contexts.”