Word
mata
Phoneticsma·ta
/ˈmɑtə/
Definitions
01mother or female elder
n. a respectful way to say 'mother' or to address an older woman in India.
n. A term of address or reference for a mother or an elderly woman, used to show deep respect.
“The children greeted their mata with flowers on her birthday.”
“In many traditional households, the mata remains the central figure of authority and emotional support for the extended family.”
Dialect
Usage
Commonly used in Indian English and Hindi-speaking contexts.
Teaching tip
This is a culture-specific term; learners should use it primarily when discussing Indian social structures or when in India.
02goddess or spiritual leader
n. a title for a Hindu goddess or a respected female religious leader.
n. A title applied to Hindu goddesses or female spiritual teachers (gurus) to signify their divine or maternal status.
“Many people visited the temple to offer prayers to the Mata.”
“The devotees gathered at the ashram to receive a blessing from the Mata before the festival began.”
Dialect · Formal
Usage
Often capitalized when referring to a specific deity or leader.
Teaching tip
Note that this term carries a much higher level of reverence than the English word 'mother' in a religious context.