asrama: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “asrama” mean?
A residential hermitage, retreat, or monastery in Hindu tradition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A residential hermitage, retreat, or monastery in Hindu tradition.
A stage of life in the Hindu ashrama system (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, Sannyasa). Can also refer to a spiritual community or a hostel attached to a temple.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare in both variants. In British English, it is most likely encountered in academic texts on religion or travel writing. In American English, it may be slightly more frequent in New Age or yoga-related contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of asceticism, spirituality, and ancient tradition. May have exotic or mystical overtones in non-Indian contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Primarily found in specialized texts on religion, philosophy, or South Asian studies.
Grammar
How to Use “asrama” in a Sentence
[verb] + at/in + the asrama (live, stay, study)the asrama + [verb] (provides, teaches, offers)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, and South Asian studies texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside communities with Indian/Hindu connections.
Technical
Specific term in Hindu philosophy and theology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asrama”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asrama”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asrama”
- Misspelling as 'ashrama' or 'ashram'. Confusing it with a generic hostel. Using it in plural incorrectly ('asramas' is acceptable, but the original Sanskrit plural is complex).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the same concept. 'Ashram' is the more common Anglicized spelling, while 'asrama' is a closer transliteration from Sanskrit.
No, not accurately. While some modern hostels in India might use the name, the core meaning retains a strong spiritual or religious connotation of a place for study and ascetic practice.
It is a loanword used in English, but it is a low-frequency, specialized term. It is not part of general everyday vocabulary.
They are Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (forest dweller/hermit), and Sannyasa (renunciant).
A residential hermitage, retreat, or monastery in Hindu tradition.
Asrama is usually formal, academic, religious in register.
Asrama: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʌʃ.rə.mə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːʃ.rə.mə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the grihastha asrama (referring to the householder stage of life)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine ASRAma: A Serene Retreat for Ascetics.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY THROUGH STAGES (the four asramas).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'asrama'?