# tao

/ˈdaʊ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. philosophy/religion

noun · CEFR B2

the natural order of the universe and the right way to live your life in harmony with it.

For teachers: The absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of yin and yang and signifying the way, or code of behavior, that is in harmony with the natural order.

- In many ancient texts, the Tao is described as a flow that one should not resist.
- Scholars of Eastern philosophy often debate the precise metaphysical nature of the Tao as both a transcendent source and an immanent force.

Usage: Often capitalized as 'the Tao' when referring to the specific philosophical concept.

### 2. skill or art

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the art or skill of doing something perfectly by following its natural essence.

For teachers: The intuitive art or skill of performing a task in total harmony with the essential nature of the activity.

- The master chef spoke of the tao of cooking, where the knife moves without effort.
- The essay explores the tao of calligraphy, arguing that true mastery requires the artist to disappear into the stroke of the brush.

## Examples

- He studies the Tao to find inner peace.
- In many traditional practices, the goal is to align one's daily actions with the flow of the Tao.
- The text explores how the Tao remains nameless and invisible, yet serves as the ultimate source from which all things in the physical world emerge and eventually return.

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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.