'acharya' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'ācārya', where 'ācāra' meant 'conduct' or 'behavior'.

'ācārya' transformed into the Hindi word 'acharya', and eventually became the modern English word 'acharya'.

Initially, it meant 'one who teaches proper conduct', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'spiritual guide or teacher'.