ENGLISH
REFERENCE

devi

n. countable
C2 Proficiency de·vi

n. the word for a goddess in the Hindu religion. It is often used to talk about the Great Mother or the female form of the divine.

n. the Sanskrit term for a female deity in Hinduism. When capitalised, it specifically refers to the Great Goddess, representing the supreme feminine power or Shakti.


SIMPLE

The temple was built to honour the local devi.

CONTEXTUAL

In many Hindu traditions, every village has its own protector devi who is worshipped during seasonal festivals.

COMPLEX

The iconography of the devi often incorporates multiple arms to symbolise her various powers and her ability to perform several cosmic functions simultaneously.

Origin

Borrowed from Sanskrit देवी (devī́, “goddess, female deity”).

Usage

Often capitalised as 'Devi' when referring to the supreme goddess rather than a generic female deity.

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