Etymology Map
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Swami

3 stages from Sanskrit to English.

Today it means A Hindu religious teacher or spiritual master, used as a title of respect.

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

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