ravana
Low (Specific to contexts discussing Hinduism, Indian mythology, or comparative literature.)Formal, Literary, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The primary antagonist in the Hindu epic Ramayana; a demon king of Lanka who kidnaps Sita, the wife of Rama.
A symbol of ego, tyranny, lust, and the power of evil that is ultimately defeated by divine virtue and dharma (righteousness).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Proper noun. In modern usage, can be invoked metaphorically to represent an archetypal villain or a personification of negative qualities like arrogance and hubris.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage is consistent in academic and cultural discourse.
Connotations
Primarily carries the mythological and cultural connotations from the Indian subcontinent. No distinct regional connotations within the English-speaking world.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing in similar contexts of religious studies, world literature, and cultural discussions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Ravana] + verb (kidnapped, ruled, was defeated)[Character] is compared to + [Ravana]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a Ravana-like ego”
- “To meet one's Ravana (to confront one's ultimate challenge or moral failing)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The CEO's Ravana-like arrogance led to the company's downfall.'
Academic
In studies of epic poetry or comparative mythology: 'The character of Ravana provides a complex study in villainy and devotion.'
Everyday
Rare. Possibly in cultural references: 'In the play, the corrupt official was the Ravana of the story.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - Proper noun, not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Proper noun, not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - Not standardly adjectival. Occasionally in compounds: 'a Ravana-esque character'.
American English
- N/A - Not standardly adjectival. Occasionally in compounds: 'a Ravana-like presence'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Ravana is a bad king in an old Indian story.
- In the Ramayana, Ravana kidnaps Sita, which starts a great war.
- Despite his great power and knowledge, Ravana's defining flaw was his overwhelming pride and desire.
- The portrayal of Ravana is not purely monstrous; he is also a revered scholar and devotee of Shiva, adding layers of complexity to his villainy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RAVANA: Royal Arrogance Vanquished After Noble Action. (Reflects his kingly status and defeat by Rama's righteousness.)
Conceptual Metaphor
EVIL IS A DEMON KING; HUBRIS IS A KIDNAPPER; EGO IS A TEN-HEADED MONSTER (referencing Ravana's common depiction).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ворона' (vorona - crow/raven). 'Ravana' is a proper name with no direct Russian equivalent, transliterated as 'Равана'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Ravanna' or 'Ravanna'.
- Using as a common noun (e.g., 'a ravana') instead of a proper noun.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (/rəˈvɑːnə/).
Practice
Quiz
What does Ravana most commonly symbolise in metaphorical use?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While primarily the antagonist, classical texts also note his strengths as a learned scholar, powerful ruler, and a devout worshipper of Shiva, making him a nuanced figure.
The ten heads (often interpreted metaphorically) symbolise his immense knowledge, mastery over the six shastras and four Vedas, and his formidable, multi-faceted power. They also represent his ego and arrogance.
Views are diverse. While he is the villain in the mainstream narrative of the Ramayana, some regional traditions, particularly in parts of South India and Sri Lanka, view him more sympathetically as a great and tragic ruler.
It is very rare in casual conversation. Its use is almost exclusively in contexts related to Indian culture, mythology, or as a literary metaphor for ultimate evil or hubris.