caste
B2Formal, academic, historical, sociological
Definition
Meaning
Any of the hereditary social classes in Hindu society, traditionally defining a person's occupation and social status.
A rigid social system or class structure based on hereditary distinctions; any exclusive social class, system, or group.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Originally and primarily refers to the Hindu varna system (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra, and Dalits/Untouchables). In extended use, denotes any rigid social stratification, often with negative connotations of discrimination and lack of mobility. The word is singular; 'castes' is the plural.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term in the same contexts.
Connotations
Strongly associated with South Asian (particularly Indian) social structures. In sociological contexts, it implies a closed, hierarchical system.
Frequency
Higher frequency in academic/sociological texts and discussions of Indian society. Rare in everyday conversation in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
belong to a [caste]be born into a [caste]transcend [caste] barriersdetermined by [caste]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a caste apart”
- “rise above one's caste”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions of workplace diversity or cultural contexts affecting business in South Asia.
Academic
Common in sociology, anthropology, history, and South Asian studies to describe hereditary social systems.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used when discussing social issues, inequality, or Indian society.
Technical
Used precisely in sociology to denote a form of social stratification based on ascription (birth).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- caste-based discrimination
- caste-ridden society
American English
- caste-based politics
- caste-conscious community
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In some societies, people are born into a specific caste.
- The traditional caste system assigned jobs based on family birth.
- Despite legal prohibitions, caste discrimination persists in some rural communities.
- The sociologist's thesis examined how modern education systems interact with, and sometimes reinforce, entrenched caste hierarchies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAST made of iron around your wrist, fixed at birth, determining your life's role – that's a CASTE system.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A BODY WITH FIXED PARTS (each caste has a specific, unchangeable function).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'каста' в смысле узкой группы заговорщиков (как в 'каста иллюминатов'). В английском 'caste' — прежде всего социально-религиозная система.
- Не путать с 'caste' (социальный класс) и 'cast' (актёрский состав, бросать).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'caste' to mean any small, exclusive group (like a 'clique') – this is an overextension.
- Misspelling as 'cast'.
- Using it as a verb (it is only a noun).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best describes the core feature of a 'caste'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it originates from and is most closely associated with the Hindu varna and jati systems of South Asia, sociologists use the term to describe any rigid, hereditary social stratification system found elsewhere in the world.
Class is generally based on economic factors like wealth and income, and allows for some social mobility. Caste is based on birth, is often religiously sanctioned, and is far more rigid, with little to no mobility between groups.
No, 'caste' is exclusively a noun. The similar-sounding word 'cast' is a verb (e.g., to cast a vote, to cast a shadow).
In academic or factual discussions about social systems, it is the standard, non-offensive term. However, when referring to people, using terms like 'lower caste' can be pejorative; more neutral terms like 'marginalised caste groups' or the specific group names (e.g., Dalit) are often preferred in sensitive contexts.
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