# rasa

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rasa
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The dancer's performance was full of deep rasa.
- In classical Indian music, the rasa is the emotional core that the musician seeks to evoke in the listener through specific ragas.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.