devi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Formal, Literary, Specialized (Religious/Indological)
Quick answer
What does “devi” mean?
A Sanskrit term for a goddess or divine feminine principle, commonly used in English contexts to refer to a goddess, especially in Hinduism, or to a female deity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Sanskrit term for a goddess or divine feminine principle, commonly used in English contexts to refer to a goddess, especially in Hinduism, or to a female deity.
In broader English usage, often used to denote a woman of extraordinary beauty, talent, or power, likened to a goddess. Also used as a given name or title.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British English due to historical colonial ties to India, but the term is equally specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of Eastern spirituality, Hinduism, and Indian culture. In both varieties, using it to refer to a woman is a high-register compliment.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage for both. Slightly higher frequency in academic texts on religion or South Asian studies.
Grammar
How to Use “devi” in a Sentence
Devi + [Proper Name] (e.g., Devi Kali)the + Devi + of + [Domain] (e.g., the Devi of wealth)be + worshipped + as + a deviVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devi” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not used as a standard adjective. Poetically, 'devi-like' is possible.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a standard adjective. Poetically, 'devi-like' is possible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, and South Asian studies to refer specifically to the Hindu concept.
Everyday
Rare. If used, it is a poetic or highly complimentary term for a woman.
Technical
Specific term in Hindu theology and Indology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devi”
- Using 'devi' as a casual synonym for 'girl' or 'woman'.
- Mispronouncing it as /dɛvi/ (like 'Devil' without the 'l').
- Capitalising it inconsistently; it is often capitalised when used as a title/name (Devi).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Sanskrit that is used in English, primarily in specific contexts related to Hinduism and Indian culture. It is not a native English word.
Yes, but it is a very high-register, poetic, and culturally specific compliment. It compares the woman to a goddess. In everyday conversation, 'goddess' is more common and less specialized.
The standard English pronunciation is /ˈdeɪviː/ (DAY-vee). The first syllable rhymes with 'day', and the second is like the letter 'V'.
'Goddess' is the general English term for a female deity. 'Devi' is the specific Sanskrit/Hindi term, carrying all the cultural and religious connotations of Hinduism. In English, using 'Devi' often signals a reference to that specific tradition.
A Sanskrit term for a goddess or divine feminine principle, commonly used in English contexts to refer to a goddess, especially in Hinduism, or to a female deity.
Devi is usually formal, literary, specialized (religious/indological) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “She was treated like a devi.”
- “A devi descended from heaven.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Devi' as 'The V' (V for divine feminine) or associate it with 'Day' + 'V' - a shining (day) goddess (V).
Conceptual Metaphor
A WOMAN IS A GODDESS. (e.g., 'She is a devi on the stage.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'devi' MOST appropriately used in English?