swami

Where does the word "swami" come from? It comes from Sanskrit svamin, passing through Hindi before entering English (1773).

Swami’s story begins in Sanskrit: svamin meant “lord, master.” Meant 'lord, master, one's own master', from sva- 'self, own'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Hindi as swami. A respectful title for a Brahmin or religious teacher. It reached English by 1773 as swami. First meant a Hindu idol, later a Hindu religious teacher. Today, swami means a Hindu religious teacher or spiritual master, used as a title of respect.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient svamin "lord, master", meant 'lord, master, one's own master', from sva- 'self, own'.
2. Stage 2 · Hindi · medieval swami "master; religious teacher", a respectful title for a Brahmin or religious teacher.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1773 swami "a Hindu religious teacher or ascetic", first meant a Hindu idol, later a Hindu religious teacher.