yoga
3 synonyms for yoga, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A system of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation originating in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, practiced for physical fitness and mental calm.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use yoga
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
practice yoga
a yoga class
yoga mat
Etymology
From Sanskrit "yoga," meaning "yoking" or "union," from a root meaning "to join" — the same ancient root that gives us the English word "yoke."
Full origin of yoga →Frequently asked questions
What does “yoga” mean?
The word “yoga” means a system of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation originating in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, practiced for physical fitness and mental calm. In plain terms, a practice combining stretching poses, controlled breathing, and mindfulness, widely done today for fitness and stress relief.
How do you pronounce “yoga”?
“Yoga” is pronounced YOH-guh (/ˈjoʊ.ɡə/ in IPA).
How do you use “yoga” in a sentence?
Here is “yoga” used in a sentence: “She starts every morning with twenty minutes of yoga.”
What part of speech is “yoga”?
“Yoga” is a noun.
Where does the word “yoga” come from?
The word “yoga” comes from Sanskrit. From Sanskrit "yoga," meaning "yoking" or "union," from a root meaning "to join" — the same ancient root that gives us the English word "yoke.".
Is “yoga” a common word?
“Yoga” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between yoga and pilates?
Yoga is a system of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation with roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, practised for both fitness and mental calm. Pilates is a modern exercise method focused mainly on core strength and controlled movement, without yoga's meditative and spiritual dimension.
Is yoga a religion or an exercise?
Yoga originates in Hindu and Buddhist traditions but is widely practised today simply as a system of postures, breathing, and meditation for physical fitness and mental calm. Many people practise it purely for exercise and relaxation rather than as a religious activity.
What are the main parts of a yoga practice?
A yoga practice typically combines three elements: physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Together these aim to improve both physical fitness and mental calm.
