brahman

• Существительное, обозначающее члена высшего социального или жреческого класса, либо в контексте индуистской варны (жреческая каста), либо, исторически, члена социальной и культурной элиты, например, старой новоанглийской семьи.

A noun referring to a member of the highest social or priestly class, either in the context of Hindu varna (the priestly caste) or, historically, a member of a social and cultural elite, such as an old New England family.

1. Hindu priestly classB2formal

   A member of the highest of the four Hindu varnas, traditionally responsible for priestly duties and teaching sacred knowledge.

   Брахман

   • The brahman performed the ancient rituals at the temple.
   • In traditional Hindu society, brahmans were respected as spiritual guides.
   • He was born into a brahman family and studied the Vedas.

   Синонимыbrahmin

2. Social elite (New England)C1formalamerican

   A member of a social and cultural elite, especially a descendant of an old New England family.

   Социальная элита (Новая Англия)

   • The Boston brahman families have long influenced local politics.
   • She comes from a brahman lineage that traces back to the Mayflower.
   • The novel satirizes the manners of the New England brahmans.

   Синонимыaristocratblue bloodpatrician

3. Ultimate reality (Hinduism)C1formal

   In Hindu philosophy, the ultimate, unchanging reality, composed of pure being and consciousness.

   Высшая реальность (индуизм)

   • The Upanishads describe Brahman as the source of all existence.
   • Meditation helps one realize the unity of Atman and Brahman.
   • Brahman is beyond all attributes and forms.

   Синонимыabsoluteone