Back to all words

Sutra

2 stages from Sanskrit to English.

Today it means A concise aphorism or rule in Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain literature; more broadly, a sacred text or teaching.

Where does the word "sutra" come from? It comes from Sanskrit sutra, adopted directly into English (19th c.).

1
Stage 1 of 2
sutra
Sanskrit · ancient
"a thread; an aphorism or rule"
meant 'thread, string', from a root meaning 'to sew'
2
Stage 2 of 2
sutra
English · 19th c.
"a concise aphorism or a sacred scripture"
adopted in English writing on Hindu and Buddhist texts
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom