Devi

Meanings

1. 1proper nounproperreligion

   A Hindu goddess, especially one worshipped as a form of the divine mother.

   Grammar: Capitalized and used like a name; it often appears in phrases such as 'the goddess Devi'.

   Patterns

   • the goddess Devi
   • worship Devi
   • a temple to Devi

   During the festival, families gather to worship the goddess Devi.

   The temple is dedicated to Devi in her gentle and fierce forms.

   Many stories describe Devi defeating demons to protect the world.

2. 2nouncountablereligionIndian

   A polite title or part of a woman's name in some South Asian languages.

   Grammar: Often used after a woman's name or as a respectful term of address; in this sense it can be lowercase.

   Patterns

   • someone Devi
   • call someone Devi
   • Mrs Devi

   The teacher greeted the visitor as 'Devi' to show respect.

   In the novel, the main character is named Lakshmi Devi.

   She introduced herself simply as Devi, without any family name.

Common combinations

the goddess Devi

The goddess Devi is honoured in many homes during the autumn festival.

Devi temple

Pilgrims travel long distances to visit the ancient Devi temple.

worship Devi

They worship Devi with flowers, lamps, and songs.

Devi worship

Devi worship has a long history in South Asia.

Synonyms and how they differ

goddess

A general English word for a female god; Devi is the specific Hindu term and often a name.

Shakti

A related Hindu concept of divine feminine power; not a direct synonym but often connected with Devi.

Commonly confused: Devi or deviate? Devi or devil?

Practice

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