apsaras: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Literary, Specialized (Mythology, Art History, South Asian Studies)
Quick answer
What does “apsaras” mean?
A celestial nymph or dancing maiden in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, often depicted as a performer in the court of a god.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A celestial nymph or dancing maiden in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, often depicted as a performer in the court of a god.
A term for an exceptionally beautiful and graceful female dancer, often used poetically or in specialized writing about South Asian culture to evoke ethereal beauty and artistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries connotations of classical Indian art, temple sculptures, and ancient epics like the Mahabharata.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Slightly more likely to appear in British publications due to historical colonial ties to India, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “apsaras” in a Sentence
The apsaras (subject) danced (verb) for the gods.The temple wall features a carving of an apsaras (object).She moved with the grace of an apsaras (prepositional phrase).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apsaras” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not used as an adjective.
American English
- Not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in papers on comparative mythology, religious studies, art history of South/Southeast Asia.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would require explanation if used.
Technical
Used in cataloging/describing Indian temple architecture, classical dance forms (e.g., depictions in Bharatanatyam).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apsaras”
- Pronouncing it /æpˈsærəs/ (like 'ap' + 'saras').
- Using it as a common noun for any attractive woman outside of a relevant cultural discussion.
- Misspelling as 'apsarasa' or 'apsaris'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized loanword used primarily in academic or artistic contexts related to South Asian culture.
Only in a very specific, figurative, and likely literary way, assuming your audience is familiar with Hindu mythology. It is not a general compliment like 'graceful'.
The standard English plural is 'apsarases'. The Sanskrit plural is 'apsaras' or 'apsarasas', but these are rarely used in English.
Yes, in the source mythology, apsaras are exclusively female celestial beings, often consorts or entertainers for the gandharvas (male celestial musicians).
A celestial nymph or dancing maiden in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, often depicted as a performer in the court of a god.
Apsaras is usually formal, literary, specialized (mythology, art history, south asian studies) in register.
Apsaras: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʌpsərəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːpsərəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The word is not part of English idiomatic structures.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'up-saras' (upstairs) dancer in heaven—a celestial nymph performing for the gods.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY IS CELESTIAL / GRACE IS SUPERNATURAL (e.g., 'She danced like an apsaras').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cultural origin of the word 'apsaras'?