seva

Where does the word "seva" come from? It comes from Sanskrit seva, and was adopted directly into English (1913).

Seva’s story begins in Sanskrit: seva meant “service, attendance, devotion.” From a root meaning 'to serve'. It reached English by 1913 as seva. Adopted in English writing on Hindu and Sikh religious practice. Today, seva means selfless service performed without expectation of reward, an important practice in Hinduism and Sikhism.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient seva "service, attendance, devotion", from a root meaning 'to serve'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1913 seva "selfless service performed without expectation of reward", adopted in English writing on Hindu and Sikh religious practice.