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veda

Any of the four ancient Sanskrit texts that form the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.

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Where does the word "veda" come from? It comes from Sanskrit veda, and was adopted directly into English (18th-19th c.).

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Where does the word "veda" come from? It comes from Sanskrit veda, and was adopted directly into English (18th-19th c.).

Veda’s story begins in Sanskrit: veda meant “sacred knowledge.” From a root meaning 'to know', denoting knowledge, especially sacred knowledge. It reached English by 18th-19th c. as Veda. Adopted in English scholarship on Hindu scripture. Today, veda means any of the four ancient Sanskrit texts that form the oldest scriptures of Hinduism.

  1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient veda "sacred knowledge", from a root meaning 'to know', denoting knowledge, especially sacred knowledge.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 18th-19th c. Veda "any of the four oldest and most sacred Hindu scriptures", adopted in English scholarship on Hindu scripture.

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