Guru

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɡʊruː/ (English), /ɡuːruː/ (Sanskrit, Hindi)

Definitions

• Guru (noun): A spiritual teacher, especially in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
• An expert or master in a particular field.

Usage Examples

• "The students revered their guru for his wisdom and guidance."
• "He is considered a marketing guru due to his deep knowledge and experience."
• "The ancient scriptures emphasize the importance of a guru in one's spiritual journey."

Etymology

Derived from the Sanskrit word गुरु (guru), meaning "teacher" or "mentor," where gu means "darkness" and ru means "remover," symbolizing the one who dispels ignorance.

Synonyms

• Mentor
• Teacher
• Master
• Expert
• Guide

Antonyms

• Student
• Novice
• Apprentice

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In Indian languages, "guru" is often pronounced as /ɡuːruː/, whereas in English, the pronunciation varies between /ˈɡʊruː/ and /ˈɡuːruː/.

Historical Usage

Historically, the term "guru" has been used in Vedic and post-Vedic traditions to refer to spiritual teachers who impart wisdom to their disciples. The Sikh tradition reveres ten Gurus who played a fundamental role in shaping Sikh philosophy.

Cultural Nuances

In modern contexts, "guru" is widely used beyond religious and spiritual settings to denote experts in various fields, such as "business guru" or "fitness guru."

More Information

The role of a guru extends beyond conventional teaching, emphasizing personal guidance, spiritual development, and enlightenment. Many religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, hold the guru-disciple relationship in high regard as a means of transmitting wisdom.