ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dharma

n. uncountable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈdɑɹmə// UK //dˈɑːmɐ// dhar·ma

n. the natural laws or duties that people follow to live a good and balanced life. It is an important idea in religions like Hinduism and Buddhism.

n. the cosmic law and order that governs the universe, or the individual duty and moral conduct required to maintain that order. Often refers to the essential nature of a person or thing.


SIMPLE

He believes that helping others is his dharma.

CONTEXTUAL

In many ancient texts, a king's dharma was to protect his people and ensure justice throughout the land.

COMPLEX

The protagonist struggles to reconcile his personal desires with his social dharma, a conflict that drives the narrative toward its tragic conclusion.

Usage

Often used without an article when referring to the abstract concept of cosmic law.

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