What does "theravada" mean?
A Buddhist of this particular school.
Theravada
/ˌtɛrəˈvɑːdə/ name, noun
name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A Buddhist of this particular school.
- Grammar: theravada is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: theravada buddhism, pali canon, pali scriptures, theravada buddhist.
- Useful contrasts: Mahayana, Mahayana scriptures, Vajrayana.
How to use "theravada"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "theravada" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "theravada" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "theravada" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A Buddhist of this particular school.
- 2 one of two great schools of Buddhist doctrine emphasizing personal salvation through your own efforts; a conservative form of Buddhism that adheres to Pali scriptures and the non-theistic ideal of self purification to nirvana; the dominant religion of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand and Laos and Cambodia wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 The oldest surviving school of Buddhism based on the earliest recorded teachings of the historical Buddha found in the Pali canon, widely practised in Southeast Asia.
Synonyms
All synonyms theravada buddhismpali canonpali scripturestheravada buddhisttheravada centeredtheravada monastic
Common questions
What is a synonym for "theravada"?
Common synonyms include: theravada buddhism, pali canon, pali scriptures, theravada buddhist, theravada centered, theravada monastic.
How do you pronounce "theravada"?
Pronounced /ˌtɛrəˈvɑːdə/.
Etymology
Transliteration of Pali theravāda, inherited from Sanskrit स्थविरवाद (sthaviravāda, literally “doctrine of the elders”), from स्थविर (sthavira, “elder”) + वाद (vāda, “doctrine”).