अर्थ
ártha/ɐ́ɾ.tʰɐ/
The Sanskrit word for "meaning" is अर्थ (ártha).
अर्थ refers to the definition or connotation of a word. More broadly, it can signify the essence or significance of something, representing the purpose or goal behind an object, action or word.
Meaning: definition or connotation of a word (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, अर्थ means purpose, aim or goal, in addition to the linguistic sense of "meaning".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form अर्थम् is used when "meaning" is the direct object of a verb, such as in the phrase "to know the meaning".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as [ɐ́ɾ.tʰɐ]. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In ancient Indian thought, अर्थ does not just refer to the definition of a word, but also encompasses the concept of material prosperity and worldly wealth.
- In the context of the Arthashastra, a famous ancient treatise on statecraft, the word अर्थ refers to the 'interest' or 'economic welfare' of the kingdom.
Examples in context
- एतस्य शब्दस्य अर्थः कः?etasya śabdasya arthaḥ kaḥ?What is the meaning of this word?
- तस्य वाक्यस्य अर्थः स्पष्टः नास्ति।tasya vākyasya arthaḥ spaṣṭaḥ nāsti.The meaning of that sentence is not clear.
Example conversation
Two students are studying a text together.
- इशान Ishanअनन्ये, एतस्य अर्थः कः?ananye, etasya arthaḥ kaḥ?Ananya, what is the meaning of this?
- अनन्या Ananyaइशान, एतस्य अर्थः 'शान्तिः' अस्ति।iśāna, etasya arthaḥ 'śāntiḥ' asti.Ishan, the meaning of this is 'peace'.
- इशान Ishanअहं अधुना अवगच्छामि।ahaṃ adhunā avagacchāmi.I understand now.
- अनन्या Ananyaउत्तमम्, अग्रे पठ।uttamam, agre paṭha.Great, read further.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry अर्थ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries अर्थ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
