benares: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, historical, or cultural reference.
Quick answer
What does “benares” mean?
The former name of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and Jainism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The former name of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and Jainism.
Often used to refer to objects, textiles (especially silk), or cultural artifacts originating from that city (e.g., Benares silk, Benares brassware). It evokes connotations of ancient spirituality, pilgrimage, and traditional craftsmanship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Benares' is slightly more likely to be encountered in British English due to historical colonial connections to India.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries historical and exotic connotations. May sound slightly antiquated or specialised.
Frequency
Low frequency in both. 'Varanasi' is increasingly preferred in modern geographical and general contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “benares” in a Sentence
[Benares] as a modifier (e.g., Benares N)the city of [Benares]in [Benares]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “benares” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She wore a beautiful Benares silk sari to the wedding.
- The museum has a collection of Benares brassware.
American English
- Her grandmother's Benares silk shawl was an heirloom.
- They bought a Benares-style carpet for the living room.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of textile import/export, e.g., 'specialising in genuine Benares silk.'
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, anthropology, and textile history papers.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by someone discussing travel, history, or traditional clothing.
Technical
Used in cartography/history (old maps), textile manufacturing/classification.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “benares”
- Misspelling as 'Benaras' or 'Benarres'. Using 'Benares' as a common noun instead of a proper noun (e.g., 'a benares' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Benares is the former Anglicised name for the city now officially and commonly known as Varanasi.
You would primarily use it in historical contexts or when referring to specific traditional products like 'Benares silk' where the older name is part of the established term.
While it is one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, it is also a significant pilgrimage site for Jains and Buddhists and is a centre of learning and culture for all.
Yes, commonly as a modifier to describe things originating from or characteristic of the city, e.g., Benares silk, Benares cuisine.
The former name of Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism and Jainism.
Benares is usually formal, historical, or cultural reference. in register.
Benares: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈnɑːrɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /bəˈnɑrəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BENCH in a sacred ARES (Greek god of war, but here as a place) – a peaceful bench in the holy city of Benares.
Conceptual Metaphor
BENARES IS A SOURCE (of spirituality, of traditional craft).
Practice
Quiz
Benares is best known as: