ten gurus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialized religious/historical term)Formal, religious, historical, academic
Quick answer
What does “ten gurus” mean?
The ten historical spiritual leaders of Sikhism who developed the religion's core teachings, scriptures, and community from 1469 to 1708.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ten historical spiritual leaders of Sikhism who developed the religion's core teachings, scriptures, and community from 1469 to 1708.
In modern usage, can refer metaphorically to any group of ten authoritative experts or guiding figures in a particular field, though this usage is less common and potentially disrespectful without context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is identical in both contexts, relating to Sikh religious history.
Connotations
Carries deep religious and historical significance for Sikhs globally. In non-religious contexts, it may be unfamiliar to many speakers in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Higher frequency in communities with Sikh populations, academic religious studies, and historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “ten gurus” in a Sentence
[Subject] venerates the Ten Gurus.[Subject] studies the lives of the Ten Gurus.The teachings [verb] from the Ten Gurus.[Subject] traces its lineage back to the Ten Gurus.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ten gurus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Sikhs revere the Ten Gurus.
American English
- Scholars research the Ten Gurus extensively.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The Ten Gurus period was formative for Sikhism.
American English
- The Ten Gurus tradition is central to Sikh practice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and South Asian studies courses and publications.
Everyday
Rare in everyday conversation outside of Sikh communities or relevant discussions.
Technical
Used precisely in theological and historical writings on Sikhism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ten gurus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ten gurus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ten gurus”
- Using 'ten gurus' uncapitalized when referring to the Sikh leaders.
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'The ten gurus was...').
- Confusing it with the concept of a 'guru' in Hinduism or modern self-help.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who was born in 1469 and founded Sikhism.
Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, who established the Khalsa in 1699 and declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.
Sikhs do not worship the human form of the Gurus. They respect and follow their teachings, believing they were enlighted beings who conveyed God's message. Worship is directed solely to the one God (Waheguru).
Etymologically, yes, both come from the Sanskrit for 'teacher' or 'dispeller of darkness'. However, in 'Ten Gurus', it is a formal, divine spiritual office. In 'tech guru', it is a metaphorical, informal title for an expert.
The ten historical spiritual leaders of Sikhism who developed the religion's core teachings, scriptures, and community from 1469 to 1708.
Ten gurus is usually formal, religious, historical, academic in register.
Ten gurus: in British English it is pronounced /ten ˈɡʊə.ruːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ten ˈɡʊr.uːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(To follow) the path of the Ten Gurus (meaning to live according to Sikh principles).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TEN key TEACHERS who founded a faith: Guru NaNak (1), then nine more, down to the TENTH, Guru Gobind Singh.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOUNDATION is a line of teachers. (The Ten Gurus are the foundational pillars of Sikhism.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary referent of the term 'Ten Gurus'?