asura: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareSpecialist / Academic
Quick answer
What does “asura” mean?
A class of powerful, often malevolent, divine beings or demons in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, opposed to the benevolent devas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A class of powerful, often malevolent, divine beings or demons in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, opposed to the benevolent devas.
A term used metaphorically to describe a person of immense power, ambition, or demonic energy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The term is primarily used in academic or specialist religious/Indological contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Connotes deep mythological or religious scholarship. May be used in fantasy literature/gaming with the same core meaning.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British English due to historical colonial academic connections to Indology.
Grammar
How to Use “asura” in a Sentence
the asura of [mythology/tradition]an asura like [name]fight against the asurasVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asura” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His asuric nature was evident in his relentless pursuit of power.
- The text describes an asura realm of constant strife.
American English
- She warned of the asuric qualities of unchecked ambition.
- The cult had an almost asura-like obsession with dominance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. A metaphorical stretch: 'The CEO's asura-like drive terrified the board.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, comparative mythology, Indology, and Buddhist studies texts.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used as a proper noun/class in translations of Sanskrit/Pali texts and in detailed works on Eastern religions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asura”
- Mispronouncing it as /əˈʒʊərə/ or /eɪˈsjʊərə/.
- Using it as a generic term for 'demon' without acknowledging its specific mythological context.
- Capitalising it incorrectly; it's typically a common noun ('an asura'), though specific names are capitalised (e.g., 'the asura Mahisha').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are antagonistic supernatural beings, 'asura' is specific to Indian religions and denotes a class of powerful, often arrogant beings opposed to gods, not necessarily absolute evil or a tempter of souls like the Christian devil.
Yes, the adjectival form 'asuric' (or less commonly 'asura-like') is used in scholarly and literary contexts to describe qualities of power, ambition, and strife associated with these beings.
Primarily in academic books on Hinduism or Buddhism, translations of texts like the Vedas or Puranas, and in fantasy media (video games, novels) that draw on Eastern mythological themes.
Yes, in Hindu mythology, famous asuras include Mahishasura (defeated by Durga), Hiranyakashipu (defeated by Narasimha), and Bali, who was subdued by Vamana.
A class of powerful, often malevolent, divine beings or demons in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, opposed to the benevolent devas.
Asura is usually specialist / academic in register.
Asura: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʌsʊrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈsʊrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Someone] has the ambition of an asura.”
- “An asura's bargain (a deal with terrible hidden costs).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SURly, power-hungry demon shouting 'A-SURA!' as it challenges the gods.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER IS A DEMONIC/DIVINE ENTITY; AMBITION IS A MYTHOLOGICAL FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'asura' most appropriately used?