abhinaya
|ab-hi-na-ya|
/ˌʌbɪˈnaɪə/
expressive performance
Etymology
'abhinaya' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'अभिनय', where 'abhi-' meant 'towards' and 'naya' meant 'leading or guiding'.
'अभिनय' transformed into the classical Indian performance arts term 'abhinaya', and eventually became recognized in modern English as a term for expressive dance and drama.
Initially, it meant 'leading or guiding towards', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressive performance in dance and drama'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a traditional Indian concept of expression in dance and drama, involving gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey emotions and stories.
The dancer's abhinaya was so expressive that the audience could feel the emotions of the story.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/01 10:21