guru
4 synonyms for guru, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A spiritual teacher, especially in Hindu or Sikh tradition, who guides a student.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use guru
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
spiritual guru
marketing guru
tech guru
Etymology
From Hindi/Sanskrit गुरु (guru), meaning "venerable" or "weighty" — the same root gives English the word "grave" (serious).
Full origin of guru →Frequently asked questions
What does “guru” mean?
The word “guru” means a spiritual teacher, especially in Hindu or Sikh tradition, who guides a student. In plain terms, originally a spiritual teacher, now widely used for any recognised expert or mentor.
How do you pronounce “guru”?
“Guru” is pronounced GUU-roo (/ˈɡʊɹ(ˌ)u/ in IPA).
How do you use “guru” in a sentence?
Here is “guru” used in a sentence: “He travelled to India to study under a respected guru.”
What part of speech is “guru”?
“Guru” is a noun.
Where does the word “guru” come from?
The word “guru” comes from Sanskrit. From Hindi/Sanskrit गुरु (guru), meaning "venerable" or "weighty" — the same root gives English the word "grave" (serious).
Is “guru” a common word?
“Guru” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “guru” have?
“Guru” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spiritual teacher, especially in Hindu or Sikh tradition, who guides a student.
What is the difference between a guru and an expert?
A guru is an acknowledged expert or trusted advisor in a particular field, often implying a level of respect or authority beyond ordinary expertise. An expert simply denotes high skill or knowledge, while guru carries a stronger connotation of being looked to for guidance, echoing its origin as a term for a spiritual teacher.
Is guru a formal or informal word?
Guru is often used informally in modern English, especially in phrases like "tech guru" or "marketing guru" to describe a trusted expert. Its original sense, referring to a spiritual teacher in Hindu or Sikh tradition, remains a formal and respectful term within that religious context.
Can guru be used sarcastically?
Yes, guru is sometimes used with light sarcasm or skepticism to describe someone who claims expertise without necessarily having earned it, such as a "self-proclaimed guru." This informal usage plays on the word's association with authority and trusted advice.
