shakti: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Religious/Spiritual
Quick answer
What does “shakti” mean?
The divine feminine creative power or energy, personified as a goddess, in Hinduism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The divine feminine creative power or energy, personified as a goddess, in Hinduism.
In a broader, sometimes non-religious context, can refer to a primal creative force, fundamental energy, or a powerful feminine principle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Pronunciation may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical. Connotes Eastern spirituality, Hinduism, feminism in theology, and esoteric energy.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in texts related to religion, philosophy, yoga, and comparative studies.
Grammar
How to Use “shakti” in a Sentence
[Noun] is a manifestation of shaktiThe shakti of [Noun/Deity]to worship/honour/invoke ShaktiVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, philosophy, and gender studies when discussing Hindu concepts, goddess worship, or cosmological principles.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in conversations about yoga, meditation, or Eastern spirituality.
Technical
A key term in Hindu theology, tantra, and yoga philosophy, denoting the active, dynamic aspect of the divine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shakti”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shakti”
- Misspelling as 'shakty', 'shaktiy', or 'shacti'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a shakti') when referring to the abstract concept.
- Incorrectly capitalising it when not referring to the Goddess specifically.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is capitalised when referring specifically to the Goddess as a deity (proper noun). When referring to the general concept of divine feminine energy, it is often written in lowercase.
Yes, though this is less common. In modern, sometimes secular contexts, it can metaphorically describe a powerful feminine creative force or fundamental energy in art, nature, or psychology.
Shakti is the general term for divine feminine creative power. Kundalini is a specific form of shakti, often described as a coiled, dormant energy at the base of the spine that can be awakened through spiritual practice.
Yes, it is a direct loanword from Sanskrit (śakti) and is used in many Indian languages (e.g., Hindi, Bengali) with the same core meaning. Its use in English reflects its adoption into the vocabulary of religious studies and global spirituality.
The divine feminine creative power or energy, personified as a goddess, in Hinduism.
Shakti is usually formal, academic, religious/spiritual in register.
Shakti: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃʌkti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːkti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The shakti is rising”
- “To be filled with shakti”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SHocK' of creaTIVE power - the shocking, creative force of the goddess Shakti.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL POWER IS A FEMININE FORCE / THE UNIVERSE IS A DYNAMIC, CREATIVE ENTITY
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the term 'shakti' MOST appropriately used?