nirvana
|nir-va-na|
🇺🇸
/nɪrˈvɑːnə/
🇬🇧
/nɪəˈvɑːnə/
state of liberation
Etymology
'nirvana' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'nirvāṇa', where 'nir-' meant 'out' and 'vāṇa' meant 'blown'.
'nirvāṇa' was adopted into English in the 19th century, maintaining its original meaning related to the Buddhist concept of liberation.
Initially, it meant 'extinction of desire and suffering', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a state of perfect happiness'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism.
Buddhists strive to achieve nirvana through meditation and ethical living.
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Noun 2
a state of perfect happiness; an ideal or idyllic place.
After a long week, a quiet weekend at the beach felt like nirvana.
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Last updated: 2025/03/03 04:21