chakra: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical, spiritual
Quick answer
What does “chakra” mean?
In Indian spiritual traditions, one of the seven centres of spiritual power in the human body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Indian spiritual traditions, one of the seven centres of spiritual power in the human body.
A concept or symbol of a wheel or vortex of energy used in various New Age, holistic health, and wellness contexts. Can also refer to a person's emotional or psychological centre.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties use the same term.
Connotations
Slightly stronger association with alternative medicine and yoga culture in the US. In the UK, it may retain a slightly more academic or strictly traditional religious connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the larger prevalence of yoga and New Age terminology in mainstream culture.
Grammar
How to Use “chakra” in a Sentence
to balance/align/open/block the [ADJECTIVE] chakrathe chakra of [NOUN PHRASE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chakra” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The therapist aimed to chakra-balance the client through crystal work.
American English
- She spent the weekend chakra-cleansing at a retreat.
adjective
British English
- The workshop focused on chakra-alignment techniques.
American English
- He bought a set of chakra stones for meditation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in leadership or team-building contexts (e.g., 'the chakra of our organisation').
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, and South Asian studies. Precise, technical usage.
Everyday
Used in contexts related to yoga, meditation, wellness, and holistic health.
Technical
Specific usage in yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, and certain energy healing modalities.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chakra”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chakra”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈʃɑː.krə/ or /ˈtʃeɪ.krə/.
- Using it as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'She has blocked chakra' instead of 'a blocked chakra').
- Confusing the order or functions of the different chakras.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There are seven primary chakras commonly described, running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
It originates in Hindu and Buddhist spiritual traditions but is now widely used in secular yoga, meditation, and wellness contexts.
In standard usage, it is a noun. Verb forms like 'to chakra' are informal, non-standard neologisms found in some alternative therapy circles.
The standard plural is 'chakras'. The Sanskrit plural 'chakrani' is sometimes used in very specialised contexts but is uncommon in English.
In Indian spiritual traditions, one of the seven centres of spiritual power in the human body.
Chakra is usually formal, technical, spiritual in register.
Chakra: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃʌk.rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɑː.krə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHAKRA as a spinning CHAir wHeel of eneRgy At the centre of your body.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A SYSTEM OF ENERGY WHEELS; EMOTIONAL/SPIRITUAL HEALTH IS BALANCED ENERGY FLOW.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary origin of the concept of a 'chakra'?