ahimsa: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Philosophical, Religious
Quick answer
What does “ahimsa” mean?
A principle of non-violence and a deep respect for all living beings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A principle of non-violence and a deep respect for all living beings.
The ethical doctrine of causing no harm or injury to any sentient creature, often linked to spiritual and philosophical practices aimed at purity of soul and karma.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British English due to historical colonial links with India.
Connotations
Strongly associated with Gandhi, Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general usage, but appears with comparable rarity in both academic and interfaith contexts in the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “ahimsa” in a Sentence
[practice/observe/follow] ahimsaahimsa [as a principle/way of life]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ahimsa” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He strived to ahimsa his way through all conflicts, a true Gandhian ideal.
American English
- The community aimed to ahimsa their interactions, avoiding even harsh words.
adverb
British English
- He protested ahimsically, sitting in silent vigil for days on end.
American English
- She resolved to live ahimsically, extending compassion to every creature she met.
adjective
British English
- Her ahimsic approach to gardening meant she wouldn't even use slug pellets.
American English
- The monk led an ahimsic lifestyle, refusing any product derived from animals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports or ethical investment discussions.
Academic
Common in religious studies, philosophy, South Asian studies, and peace studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a precise term in Indology, comparative religion, and Gandhian studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ahimsa”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ahimsa”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ahimsa”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'an ahimsa'). It is uncountable.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'h' (/ɑːˈhɪmsɑː/). The 'h' is soft, and the first syllable is a schwa.
- Spelling it as 'ahisma' or 'ahimsha'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Sanskrit, derived from 'a-' (non-) + 'hiṃsā' (injury, harm).
Not exactly. While both oppose violence, ahimsa is a broader, spiritual principle of non-harm to all life, often involving dietary and lifestyle choices, whereas pacifism is primarily a political stance against war.
Mahatma Gandhi, who used ahimsa as the core principle of his Satyagraha (truth-force) movement for Indian independence.
Yes, practitioners may follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, use non-violent communication, choose cruelty-free products, and make lifestyle choices intended to minimise harm to other beings and the environment.
A principle of non-violence and a deep respect for all living beings.
Ahimsa is usually academic, philosophical, religious in register.
Ahimsa: in British English it is pronounced /əˈhɪmsɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈhɪmsɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Live by the principle of ahimsa.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HIM (man) saying 'Ah!' in relief because he chose not to harm anyone – that's AHIMSA.
Conceptual Metaphor
NON-VIOLENCE IS PURITY / NON-VIOLENCE IS A PATH.
Practice
Quiz
In which tradition is the concept of 'ahimsa' most centrally important?