karma
C1Informal (in its extended sense), Formal/Technical (in its religious/spiritual sense).
Definition
Meaning
The spiritual principle of cause and effect, where an individual's actions influence their future circumstances or destiny, often associated with rebirth.
Fate, destiny, or the principle that good deeds bring positive results and bad deeds bring negative consequences. Used informally to describe a feeling or situation that seems deserved or fated.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In English, the word has undergone semantic broadening. It is often used more loosely and secularly than in its original religious contexts (Hinduism, Buddhism). The informal use is prevalent, where it simply means 'deserved consequence'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is used identically in both dialects.
Connotations
Generally neutral, though can carry a slight 'new age' or spiritual connotation in certain contexts.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties. Common in popular culture and informal speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Karma is + adjective (karma is good/bad/real)Get/earn good/bad karmaIt's karma (that)...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Instant karma”
- “Karma's a boomerang”
- “Karma will get you”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical or informal contexts (e.g., 'The company's bad karma with customers finally caught up with it.').
Academic
Used in religious studies, philosophy, and cultural studies to discuss the principle. Secular uses are informal.
Everyday
Common in informal speech to comment on perceived justice (e.g., 'He was rude to her, and now his car won't start. Karma!').
Technical
Specific term in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh philosophies, denoting the cycle of cause and effect across lifetimes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Karma' is not used as a verb in standard British English.
American English
- 'Karma' is not used as a verb in standard American English.
adverb
British English
- 'Karma' is not used as an adverb in standard British English.
American English
- 'Karma' is not used as an adverb in standard American English.
adjective
British English
- It was a real karma moment when his lie was exposed.
- She has a very karma-oriented worldview.
American English
- That's some serious karma justice right there.
- He's into karma yoga practices.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Be nice to people. Good karma is important.
- She believes in karma.
- Helping others will give you good karma.
- I think losing his keys was bad karma for being so dishonest.
- After years of exploiting his workers, the businessman's bankruptcy was seen as instant karma.
- The concept of karma suggests our current actions shape our future experiences.
- Philosophers debate whether karma operates as a natural law of moral causation or requires a divine enforcer.
- Her philanthropic work wasn't for public acclaim but was an integral part of her karmic philosophy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Karma is like a cosmic CAP. Your Choices and Actions have Payback, good or bad.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNIVERSE IS A MORAL BOOKKEEPER / LIFE IS A BOOMERANG THROW.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'карма' (fate/destiny) in contexts where 'fate' ('судьба') is neutral. Russian 'карма' is a direct loanword, but its informal use is less established. The English 'karma' carries a stronger connotation of earned consequence, not just predetermined fate.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He karmad me') – not standard. Confusing it with 'charisma'. Thinking it only applies to future lives in all contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CLOSEST synonym to 'karma' in its informal, everyday use?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In its original religious contexts (Hinduism, Buddhism), it is intrinsically linked to the cycle of rebirth. However, in modern, secular English usage, it often refers to deserved consequences within a single lifetime, without any reference to past or future lives.
Yes. 'Good karma' is a very common phrase, used to describe positive energy or deserved good fortune resulting from positive actions.
A modern, informal phrase popularised by John Lennon's song. It refers to a seemingly immediate payback or consequence for one's actions, rather than a consequence delayed to a future life or distant time.
Yes, this is a very common English proverb that expresses a similar concept to the informal understanding of karma, emphasizing that actions eventually have consequences for the actor.