ashram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, religious/spiritual, literary, occasionally journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “ashram” mean?
A secluded residence or spiritual retreat, often in Hinduism, where a guru teaches disciples and leads a communal life of discipline and meditation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A secluded residence or spiritual retreat, often in Hinduism, where a guru teaches disciples and leads a communal life of discipline and meditation.
In broader usage, any spiritual hermitage, monastic community, or intentional community focused on spiritual growth, yoga, or meditation. Can also refer loosely to a place of peace and retreat from worldly affairs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Usage may be slightly more common in British English due to historical colonial ties to India.
Connotations
Similar in both variants: primarily spiritual/secluded retreat. In American English, may be more strongly associated with the 1960s/70s counterculture and New Age movements.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but likely higher in UK English texts relating to Indian culture or spirituality.
Grammar
How to Use “ashram” in a Sentence
[verb] + at/in + ashram (live, study, stay)[verb] + to + ashram (retreat, travel, go)[noun] + of + ashram (life, community, discipline)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ashram” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The ashram lifestyle appealed to her.
- He followed an ashram diet.
American English
- She sought an ashram-like atmosphere.
- It had an ashram vibe.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, and South Asian studies contexts.
Everyday
Rare; might be used when discussing travel, spirituality, or yoga.
Technical
Specific term in Hindu religious studies and Indology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ashram”
- Misspelling as 'ashrum', 'ashreme'. Incorrect pluralisation ('ashrams' is correct). Using it for any hotel or resort (must have a spiritual component).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially in contemporary and Western contexts, it is often used generically for spiritual or yoga retreat centres, though its origin is specifically Hindu.
An ashram is typically Hindu, often less formally structured, and centres around a specific guru-teacher. A monastery is more commonly associated with Christianity or Buddhism and follows a formal, institutional rule.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized word understood mainly in spiritual, religious, or travel-related contexts.
The standard English plural is 'ashrams'.
A secluded residence or spiritual retreat, often in Hinduism, where a guru teaches disciples and leads a communal life of discipline and meditation.
Ashram is usually formal, religious/spiritual, literary, occasionally journalistic. in register.
Ashram: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæʃrəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːʃrəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Seek refuge in the ashram of one's mind.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine ASH (from a sacred fire) and RAM (the animal, often wandering free) combining to form a peaceful, sacred place away from the world.
Conceptual Metaphor
ASHRAM IS A CONTAINER FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH; LIFE IS A JOURNEY TO/FROM AN ASHRAM.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely description of an ashram?