brahminism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, academic, historical, sociological
Quick answer
What does “brahminism” mean?
The religious and social system of the Brahmins, the highest caste in traditional Hindu society, or an adherence to its rituals and doctrines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The religious and social system of the Brahmins, the highest caste in traditional Hindu society, or an adherence to its rituals and doctrines.
The ideology, practices, and social influence associated with the Brahmin caste; by extension, can refer to intellectual or cultural elitism reminiscent of a privileged priestly class.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Usage is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, the term carries historical/religious weight. The metaphorical extension (implying intellectual elitism) might be slightly more recognized in American academic and political commentary.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Almost exclusively encountered in academic texts on religion, history, or sociology.
Grammar
How to Use “brahminism” in a Sentence
[Brahminism] + verb (flourished, declined, evolved)adjective (rigid, orthodox) + [Brahminism][critique/study/history] + of + [Brahminism]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brahminism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No verb form in use.
American English
- No verb form in use.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No direct adjective from 'Brahminism'. Use 'Brahminical'.
American English
- No direct adjective from 'Brahminism'. Use 'Brahminical'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, South Asian history, sociology, and anthropology to describe the dominant priestly tradition and its social influence.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A technical term within Indology and comparative religion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brahminism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brahminism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brahminism”
- Misspelling as 'Brahmanism' (an accepted variant, but 'Brahminism' is more common for the social system). Confusing it with general 'Hinduism'. Using it in casual contexts where it is not understood.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Brahminism refers specifically to the early, Vedic-era religious and social system dominated by the Brahmin priestly caste. Hinduism evolved from it and is a broader, more diverse tradition.
They are often used interchangeably. Some scholars use 'Brahmanism' for the earlier, more ritual-focused Vedic religion and 'Brahminism' for the later social and doctrinal system, but the distinction is not consistently applied.
In its primary, historical sense, it is neutral/academic. Its extended, metaphorical use to describe modern elitism is almost always critical or negative.
No. It is a highly specialized term. Learners should be aware of it only if studying relevant academic fields or reading advanced texts on Indian society or religion.
The religious and social system of the Brahmins, the highest caste in traditional Hindu society, or an adherence to its rituals and doctrines.
Brahminism is usually formal, academic, historical, sociological in register.
Brahminism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɑːmɪnɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɑːmɪnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms use this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BRAHMinism' is the 'ISM' or system of the 'BRAHMins' (the priestly caste).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/INTELLECTUAL HIERARCHY IS A PRIESTLY CASTE (e.g., 'the Brahminism of the Ivy League').
Practice
Quiz
In a modern sociological context, 'Brahminism' can be used metaphorically to criticise what?