pundit

Where does the word "pundit" come from? It comes from Sanskrit pandita, passing through Hindi before entering English (1600s-1800s).

Pundit’s story begins in Sanskrit: pandita meant “a learned scholar.” Meaning "a learned man" or scholar. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Hindi as pandit. Applied to Hindu scholars and teachers. It reached English by 1600s-1800s as pundit. Sanskrit 'learned man'; British India employed 'pundits' as Hindu law advisers. Today, pundit means a person who offers expert opinions, especially in the media.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient pandita "a learned scholar", meaning "a learned man" or scholar.
2. Stage 2 · Hindi · medieval pandit "a scholar, teacher", applied to Hindu scholars and teachers.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s-1800s pundit "an expert commentator, especially in media", Sanskrit 'learned man'; British India employed 'pundits' as Hindu law advisers.