ahura: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Academic, Religious/Historical
Quick answer
What does “ahura” mean?
A title for a deity, specifically a divine being or lord in ancient Iranian religion, particularly Zoroastrianism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A title for a deity, specifically a divine being or lord in ancient Iranian religion, particularly Zoroastrianism.
In a broader sense, it can refer to the benevolent divine beings in Zoroastrianism, in contrast to the *daevas* (evil spirits). It is most famously part of the name Ahura Mazda, the supreme god and creator.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling between British and American English. The term is used identically in academic and religious contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Scholarly, historical, religious (Zoroastrian).
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to specific fields.
Grammar
How to Use “ahura” in a Sentence
Proper noun (Ahura Mazda)Modified by adjective (benevolent Ahura)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ahura” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Ahuric nature of the deity was emphasised.
- Ahura concepts are central to the faith.
American English
- The Ahuric nature of the deity was emphasized.
- Ahura concepts are central to the faith.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and archaeology papers discussing ancient Iran.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a precise term in Zoroastrian theology and comparative religion.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ahura”
- Misspelling as 'aura'.
- Using it as a common noun in general contexts.
- Mispronouncing with a hard 'h' (/ɑːˈhʊərə/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Avestan (an ancient Iranian language) used in English when discussing Zoroastrianism. It is not part of general English vocabulary.
It is typically pronounced /əˈhʊərə/ in British English and /əˈhʊrə/ in American English, with the stress on the second syllable.
Rarely. It is most commonly and correctly used in the compound name 'Ahura Mazda'. When used alone in academic texts, it usually refers to the class of benevolent deities.
In Zoroastrian dualism, the direct opposite is a 'daeva', a malevolent spirit or demon that opposes the divine order of the Ahuras.
A title for a deity, specifically a divine being or lord in ancient Iranian religion, particularly Zoroastrianism.
Ahura is usually formal, academic, religious/historical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Ahura sounds like 'a holy aura', which fits a divine being.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE BEING IS A LORD (Ahura as 'lord' or 'spirit').
Practice
Quiz
What is an 'Ahura' in Zoroastrianism?