# RITA

/ˈɹitə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rita
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. female name

noun · CEFR A1

a common name for a woman or girl, often used in Italian, Spanish, and English-speaking cultures.

For teachers: a female given name, originally a diminutive of Margherita or Margarita in Romance languages.

- Rita moved to London last year to start her new job at the hospital.
- The legendary actress Rita Hayworth became one of the most iconic figures of Hollywood's golden age during the 1940s.

### 2. cosmic order

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

an ancient Indian idea about the natural order of the universe.

For teachers: a variant spelling of 'rta', referring to the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe in Vedic philosophy.

- In his studies of ancient texts, he learned about the concept of Rita.
- Scholars of the Rigveda often discuss Rita as the foundational truth that maintains the harmony of the physical and moral worlds.

## Examples

- Rita is my neighbor's name.
- The office manager, Rita, handles all the scheduling and payroll for the local branch.
- In mid-century cinema, actresses like Rita Hayworth helped popularize the name, cementing its association with a specific era of Hollywood glamour.

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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.