Ganges
/ˈɡændʒiːz/noun
A major river in India, sacred to Hindus and known for its extensive basin and biodiversity.
Did you know?The Ganges River is called 'Ganga' in Sanskrit, symbolizing purity and life, believed to wash away sins and grant salvation to its devotees.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʲengʲ-
“to be strong, to become; associated with movement and flow.”
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
गंगा (Gaṅgā)
“The name of the river personified as a goddess, embodying purity and divine flow.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Γάγγης (Gángēs)
“The Greek adaptation of the river's name, reflecting its reverence in ancient cultures.”
Latin
Latin
Ganges
“The river's name adopted by Romans, signifying its importance in trade and culture.”
Old French
Old French
Gange
“The river referenced in medieval texts, symbolizing the exotic and the spiritual.”
Modern English
English
Ganges
“The river name retained in English, representing its enduring cultural significance and sanctity.”