avatara
|a-va-ta-ra|
/ˌævəˈtɑːrə/
divine descent; embodiment
Etymology
'avatara' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'avatāra', where 'ava-' meant 'down' and the root (from 'tṛ' / 'tāra') meant 'to cross, descend' or 'pass over'.
'avatāra' in Sanskrit was used in classical Hindu texts to denote a deity's descent; the term entered English (and other European languages) during the colonial period via contact with Hindi/Sanskrit and appeared in English as 'avatar' and the variant 'avatara'.
Initially it meant 'descent' or 'a deity's descent to earth'; over time it came to mean 'incarnation' or 'manifestation' and has further extended in modern usage to mean a representative embodiment or a digital persona.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a divine descent or incarnation of a deity (especially Vishnu) — a deity's manifestation on earth.
In Hindu tradition, Krishna is considered an avatara of Vishnu.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a person or thing viewed as representing or embodying a particular idea, quality, or role; in modern usage, a digital representation or persona derived from the religious term.
The character in the game served as the player's avatara in the virtual world.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 23:34