ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rasa

n. C / U
C2 Proficiency rasa

n. a feeling or emotion that is very strong and clear. In Indian art and music, it is the main emotion that the artist wants to share with the audience.

n. a primary emotion or sentiment, particularly in the context of Indian aesthetics and performance. It represents the emotional essence intended to be communicated by a work of art.


SIMPLE

The dancer's performance was full of deep rasa.

CONTEXTUAL

In classical Indian music, the rasa is the emotional core that the musician seeks to evoke in the listener through specific ragas.

COMPLEX

The concept of rasa suggests that the audience must be in a receptive state to fully experience the intended emotion, which is only possible when the performer's technical skill and the audience's psychological state align.

Origin

Transliteration of Sanskrit रस (rasa, literally “juice; essence”). Doublet of rasam.

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