noun Uncommon

Arya

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Arya (noun) means a member of the historical Indo-Iranian peoples who spoke early Indo-European languages; used in a strictly linguistic/historical sense. Example: “Scholars use "Arya" to describe the ancient peoples who brought Indo-Iranian languages to South Asia.”

noun

A member of the historical Indo-Iranian peoples who spoke early Indo-European languages; used in a strictly linguistic/historical sense.

"Scholars use "Arya" to describe the ancient peoples who brought Indo-Iranian languages to South Asia."

How to use Arya

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA historical/linguistic term for ancient Indo-Iranian peoples; also a popular given name in South Asia.

Common mistake

Historically this word was badly misused by 19th- and 20th-century race theorists (see "Aryan"); in modern, careful usage it refers narrowly to language history, not race.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Aryas

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Scholars use "_____" to describe the ancient peoples who brought Indo-Iranian languages to South Asia.

Etymology

From Sanskrit ā́rya, meaning "noble" or "respectable" — originally a term the Indo-Iranian peoples used for themselves.

Origin: Sanskrit

Rhymes for Arya

ya WYA MYA aya saya Maya kuya raya heya hiya kaya Jaya

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Arya” mean?

The word “Arya” means a member of the historical Indo-Iranian peoples who spoke early Indo-European languages; used in a strictly linguistic/historical sense. In plain terms, a historical/linguistic term for ancient Indo-Iranian peoples; also a popular given name in South Asia.

How do you use “Arya” in a sentence?

Here is “Arya” used in a sentence: “Scholars use "Arya" to describe the ancient peoples who brought Indo-Iranian languages to South Asia.”

What part of speech is “Arya”?

“Arya” is a noun.

Where does the word “Arya” come from?

The word “Arya” comes from Sanskrit. From Sanskrit ā́rya, meaning "noble" or "respectable" — originally a term the Indo-Iranian peoples used for themselves.

Is “Arya” a common word?

“Arya” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Words with Sanskrit origins