brahman

• 指印度教种姓制度中的最高等级，即祭司阶层或婆罗门成员；也泛指社会文化精英，如传统上流家族成员。

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.

   婆罗门

   • 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.

   同义词brahmin

2. Social elite (New England)C1formalamerican

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

   新英格兰社会精英

   • 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.

   同义词aristocratblue bloodpatrician

3. Ultimate reality (Hinduism)C1formal

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

   梵（印度教）

   • 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.

   同义词absoluteone