brahmin Definition
- 1a member of the highest Hindu caste, traditionally that of the priesthood
- 2a socially or culturally superior person, especially a member of the upper class in Boston
Using brahmin: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "brahmin" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was born into a family of Brahmins.
Example
The Brahmin performed the religious ceremony.
Example
She is a Boston Brahmin, born and raised in the city's elite circles.
brahmin Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for brahmin
- priest
- pundit
- intellectual
- aristocrat
- blue blood
Antonyms for brahmin
Idioms Using brahmin
Example
The Brahmin left has been critical of the government's policies on education and healthcare.
a distinctive way of speaking associated with the Boston Brahmin, characterized by a non-rhotic pronunciation and a high degree of formality
Example
His Brahmin accent made him stand out among his peers.
Brahminical purity
the idea of maintaining ritual purity and social hierarchy according to Brahminical norms
Example
The concept of Brahminical purity has been criticized for perpetuating caste discrimination.
Phrases with brahmin
a breed of domestic cattle originating from India, characterized by a prominent hump over the shoulders and a dewlap
Example
The farmer raises Brahmin cattle for their meat and milk.
the complex sacrificial religion that emerged in post-Vedic India under the influence of the dominant priesthood (Brahmins)
Example
Brahminism was the dominant religion in ancient India.
a member of Boston's traditional upper class, especially one who is regarded as conservative and elitist
Example
The Boston Brahmins were known for their wealth, education, and social status.
Origins of brahmin
from Sanskrit 'brāhmaṇa', meaning 'prayer'
Summary: brahmin in Brief
The term 'brahmin' [brah-min] refers to a member of the highest Hindu caste, traditionally that of the priesthood. It can also denote a socially or culturally superior person, especially a member of the upper class in Boston. Examples include 'He was born into a family of Brahmins.' and 'She is a Boston Brahmin, born and raised in the city's elite circles.' The term extends into phrases like 'Brahmin cattle,' and idioms like 'Brahmin left,' denoting a group of intellectuals and academics who are politically left-leaning.
