Sanskrit
/ˈsænskrɪt/noun
An ancient Indo-Aryan language of India, the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Did you know?Sanskrit is said to be the language of the gods, and its very structure is believed to carry mystical powers, making it a tool for manifestation in rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sḱrēi-
“to cut, to carve, implying craftsmanship and creation.”
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
संस्कृतम् (Saṃskṛtam)
“refined, perfected, indicating a language that is polished and highly developed.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
संस्कृत (Saṃskṛta)
“a language used in ancient texts, regarded as a linguistic standard.”
Medieval Sanskrit
Sanskrit
संस्कृतम् (Saṃskṛtam)
“the language of scholarship and philosophy, often used in spiritual contexts.”
Modern Usage
English
Sanskrit
“the historical and liturgical language, with a profound influence on many languages and cultures.”
Explore more surprising origins