# abhinaya

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abhinaya
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the art of acting or expressing emotions in Indian classical dance. It involves using facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements to tell a story.

For teachers: the performance or expression of a dramatic role, particularly in Indian classical dance. Refers to the systematic use of facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements to convey narrative and emotion.

## Examples

- The dancer mastered abhinaya to tell the story without words.
- In traditional Bharatanatyam, abhinaya is considered the most important aspect of the performance, requiring years of practice to perfect.
- The performer's abhinaya was so nuanced that the audience could feel the protagonist's internal conflict through subtle shifts in eye contact and hand positioning alone.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.