hindu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, and general religious/cultural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hindu” mean?
A follower of Hinduism, one of the world's major religions originating in the Indian subcontinent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A follower of Hinduism, one of the world's major religions originating in the Indian subcontinent.
A member of the religious and cultural community that follows the beliefs and practices of Hinduism; also used as an adjective relating to Hinduism or its followers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though British English may have a slightly higher frequency due to historical and demographic links.
Connotations
Neutral descriptor of religious identity in both. In academic contexts, the adjectival form is preferred ('Hindu traditions').
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, contingent on context of discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “hindu” in a Sentence
[be] a Hindu[follow/practice] Hinduism[describe/identify as] HinduVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hindu” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Hindu festival of Diwali is celebrated with lights.
- She studied Hindu scriptures at university.
American English
- The Hindu community organized a vibrant parade.
- He follows a Hindu dietary practice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'catering to the Hindu festival market'.
Academic
Common in religious studies, anthropology, and South Asian history texts.
Everyday
Used in general discussion of world religions, cultural events, and demographics.
Technical
Specific in theological or Indological writings to denote adherence to sanatana dharma.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hindu”
- Incorrect: 'He speaks Hindu.' (Correct: 'He speaks Hindi.').
- Incorrect: 'Hindu is a language.' (Correct: 'Hindi is a language.').
- Incorrect use of lowercase for the noun form in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Indian' refers to nationality or origin from India. 'Hindu' refers specifically to a follower of Hinduism, a religion. Not all Indians are Hindu, and not all Hindus are Indian.
When referring to the religion or its adherents, it should be capitalised: 'Hindu'. The adjective form is also capitalised: 'Hindu philosophy'.
'Hindu' is a religious identifier. 'Hindi' is a language spoken primarily in northern India. They are completely different terms.
Yes, commonly so. Examples include 'Hindu festival', 'Hritu mythology', and 'Hindu community'. It describes anything pertaining to Hinduism.
A follower of Hinduism, one of the world's major religions originating in the Indian subcontinent.
Hindu is usually formal, academic, and general religious/cultural contexts. in register.
Hindu: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪnduː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪnduː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HINDU' - 'He Is Nicely Devoted Unceasingly' (to describe a practitioner).
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION IS A PATH/JOURNEY (e.g., 'a Hindu's spiritual journey').
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most specifically related to the religion?