shakuntala: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “shakuntala” mean?
The name of the central character in a classic Sanskrit play by Kalidasa, 'Abhijnanashakuntalam', meaning 'The Recognition of Shakuntala'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of the central character in a classic Sanskrit play by Kalidasa, 'Abhijnanashakuntalam', meaning 'The Recognition of Shakuntala'.
A symbol of enduring love, female purity, and tragic separation in classical Indian literature. The character represents idealized, devoted womanhood within the Indian cultural context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical and rare in both varieties. It is encountered in academic, literary, or cultural discussions.
Connotations
Conveys erudition, knowledge of world literature or classical drama. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language use for both. Slightly more likely to be referenced in UK contexts due to historical colonial connections with Indian classical studies.
Grammar
How to Use “shakuntala” in a Sentence
[Shakuntala] + [verb of action/emotion: pines, waits, is recognised][Play/Story/Adaptation] + of + [Shakuntala]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shakuntala” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Shakuntala-esque devotion of the character was striking.
- A Shakuntala-like patience.
American English
- Her Shakuntala-like grace was noted by the critic.
- A Shakuntala-esque narrative arc.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in studies of Sanskrit literature, comparative drama, postcolonial studies, and mythology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
May appear in theatre history, classical Indian studies, or literary criticism as a technical reference.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shakuntala”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shakuntala”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a shakuntala').
- Mispronouncing it with a hard 'k' or incorrect stress (should be shak-un-TAH-la).
- Confusing it with other Indian mythological figures like Sita or Draupadi.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a loanword from Sanskrit, used in English as a proper noun to refer to a specific literary and mythological figure.
In British English: /ˌʃʌkʊnˈtɑːlə/. In American English: /ˌʃɑːkʊnˈtɑːlə/. The stress is on the third syllable: '-TAH-la'.
Very rarely and only in creative or academic writing, often hyphenated (e.g., Shakuntala-like) to describe qualities of patience, devotion, or tragic beauty associated with the character.
It is included as a cultural loanword due to the significant influence of Kalidasa's work on world literature. It appears in English texts discussing comparative drama, mythology, and Indian culture.
The name of the central character in a classic Sanskrit play by Kalidasa, 'Abhijnanashakuntalam', meaning 'The Recognition of Shakuntala'.
Shakuntala is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SHAre a KUNda story with TALA - a classic tale from India about Shakuntala.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAKUNTALA IS ENDURING LOVE / SHAKUNTALA IS PATIENT VIRTUE.
Practice
Quiz
In what context is the name 'Shakuntala' primarily used in English?