caste mark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Not exactly. 'Bindi' typically refers to the decorative dot worn by women, often married women, and can be purely aesthetic. 'Caste mark' (tilaka) is a broader, more formal term for the religious marks worn by both men and women, which often have specific sectarian or ritual significance.

Yes, but cautiously. It is a literary device to describe an obvious, often inborn or hard-to-change, indicator of membership in an exclusive group (e.g., 'an accent that was his social caste mark'). It can carry a negative nuance of inflexible social stratification.

In its literal, descriptive sense within academic or respectful cultural discussion, it is not offensive. However, using it flippantly or to reduce complex cultural and religious symbols to mere 'marks' of social division can be insensitive. Context and tone are crucial.

Yes, many Hindus, especially priests, ascetics, and devout individuals, wear tilaka (caste marks) daily during prayers and rituals. The practice remains an important part of religious life for millions.

A symbolic mark, often a dot or design, applied to the forehead or body as an identifier of religious or social status within Hinduism.

Caste mark is usually formal, academic, specialized (anthropology, religious studies) in register.

Caste mark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːst ˌmɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæst ˌmɑːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.