English Explanatory Dictionary

karma

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The sum total of a person's actions, which determine the person's next incarnation in samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth.
  2. A force or law of nature which causes one to reap what one sows; destiny; fate.
  3. A distinctive feeling, aura, or atmosphere.
  4. A score assigned to a user or post on some discussion forums, indicating popularity or perceived value.
name
  1. A female given name.

Pronunciation

/kərm(ə)/ [kɐɾm(ɐ)] /kərma/ [kɐɾmä(ː)] /ˈkɑː(ɹ).mə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-karma.wav

Word forms

karma karmas

Etymology

Borrowed from Sanskrit कर्म (kárma), nom.sg. of कर्मन् (kárman, “act, action, performance”); first attested in English in 1785 in a translation of the Bhagavad Gita by Charles Wilkins.

Derived words

duskarma instant karma karma farm karma farmer karmaic karmaless karma-marga karma's a bitch karma whore karma-yoga karmic karmic debt
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