nirvana

[nɪəˈvɑːnə]

nirvana Definition

  • 1a state of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism, where there is release from all forms of suffering and individual existence is extinguished
  • 2a place or state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world

Using nirvana: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nirvana" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to reach nirvana.

  • Example

    She felt like she had reached a state of nirvana after her yoga session.

  • Example

    The sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean put him in a state of nirvana.

nirvana Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for nirvana

Idioms Using nirvana

  • an experience of extreme pleasure or happiness

    Example

    The first bite of the cake was like a taste of nirvana.

  • the idea that the best way to solve a problem is to eliminate it altogether

    Example

    The company applied the nirvana principle by removing the problematic feature from their product.

  • a baby born during the height of Nirvana's popularity in the early 1990s

    Example

    He was a Nirvana baby, born in 1993 when the band was at its peak.

Phrases with nirvana

  • the logical error of comparing actual things with unrealistic, idealized alternatives

    Example

    The idea that we should only support perfect policies is an example of the nirvana fallacy.

  • a peaceful, contented smile

    Example

    She had a nirvana smile on her face as she meditated.

  • a hairstyle that is long, straight, and parted down the middle, popularized by Kurt Cobain of Nirvana

    Example

    She got a haircut inspired by the Nirvana hair look.

Origins of nirvana

from Sanskrit 'nirvāṇa', meaning 'extinction' or 'blowing out'

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Summary: nirvana in Brief

'Nirvana' [nɪəˈvɑːnə] refers to a state of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism, where there is release from all forms of suffering and individual existence is extinguished. It can also refer to a place or state characterized by freedom from pain, worry, and the external world. The term extends into phrases like 'nirvana fallacy,' and idioms like 'a taste of nirvana,' denoting extreme pleasure, and 'nirvana principle,' implying the elimination of problems.

How do native speakers use this expression?