English Reference
noun

karma

n.
US /ˈkɑɹmə/ UK /kˈɑːmɐ/ kar·ma UK spelling karmas

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Religion

    the belief that the good or bad things you do now will affect what happens to you in the future or in another life.

    the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.

    Simple

    He believes that helping others will bring him good karma in his next life.

    In context

    In many Eastern traditions, karma is not a system of punishment but a natural law of cause and effect governing the cycle of rebirth.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Informal

    the idea that if you do something bad, something bad will eventually happen to you as a result.

    a colloquial application of the spiritual concept, suggesting that one's current situation is a direct consequence of past actions.

    Simple

    It was pure karma when his car broke down right after he cut me off in traffic.

    In context

    The politician's sudden fall from grace was viewed by many as a form of poetic karma for his years of dishonest dealings.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    a score on websites like Reddit that shows how much other people like your posts or comments.

    a numerical representation of a user's reputation or the popularity of their contributions on a digital forum.

    Simple

    I posted a funny photo of my cat and earned a lot of karma overnight.

    In context

    Users with high karma are often granted additional privileges within the community, such as the ability to create new sub-forums or moderate discussions.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Informal

    the specific feeling or mood that a person or a place gives off.

    a distinctive atmosphere, aura, or emotional quality perceived as being emitted by a person, place, or situation.

    Simple

    I didn't like that house; it had bad karma and felt very cold.

    In context

    The studio was filled with plants and soft music to ensure the space maintained a positive karma for the visiting artists.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated