Buddha

Meanings

1. 1proper nounproper

   The title of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, who lived in ancient India.

   Grammar: Used as a name: 'Buddha taught...'. No article before it.

   Patterns

   • the Buddha
   • Buddha's teachings

   Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.

   Many people visit the temple to see the giant statue of Buddha.

   The teachings of Buddha spread across Asia over many centuries.

2. 2nouncountable

   A statue or image of the Buddha, often used as an object of respect or decoration.

   Grammar: Can be countable: 'a Buddha', 'two Buddhas' when referring to statues.

   Patterns

   • a Buddha statue
   • a golden Buddha

   She keeps a small Buddha on her desk for inspiration.

   The museum has a collection of ancient Buddhas from different countries.

Word forms

Common combinations

Buddha statue

They bought a Buddha statue in Thailand.

the teachings of Buddha

The teachings of Buddha emphasize compassion and mindfulness.

Buddha's birthday

Buddha's birthday is celebrated in many Asian countries.

Synonyms and how they differ

Siddhartha Gautama

The personal name of the Buddha before he became enlightened; used in historical contexts.

the Enlightened One

A descriptive title for the Buddha, often used in religious texts.

Word family

Buddhism noun

The religion based on the teachings of the Buddha.

Buddhist noun

A follower of Buddhism.

Buddhist adjective

Relating to Buddhism or its followers.

Commonly confused: Buddha or Buddhism?

Practice

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