raj
Raj (noun) means Rule or government, especially the historical period of British rule over India. Example: “The novel is set during the final years of the British Raj.”
How to use raj
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRule or government — almost always used in English for the period when Britain governed India.
Usually capitalized, "the Raj", when referring specifically to British colonial rule in India.
Word forms
Rajes plural, Rajs plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel is set during the final years of the British _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Hindi राज (rāj, "rule, kingdom"), ultimately from the same ancient root as the Latin word behind "regal" and "royal".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “raj” mean?
The word “raj” means rule or government, especially the historical period of British rule over India. In plain terms, rule or government — almost always used in English for the period when Britain governed India.
How do you pronounce “raj”?
“Raj” is pronounced rahj (/ɹɑːd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “raj” in a sentence?
Here is “raj” used in a sentence: “The novel is set during the final years of the British Raj.”
What part of speech is “raj”?
“Raj” is a noun.
Where does the word “raj” come from?
The word “raj” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Hindi राज (rāj, "rule, kingdom"), ultimately from the same ancient root as the Latin word behind "regal" and "royal".
Is “raj” a common word?
“Raj” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What does the Raj refer to historically?
The Raj refers to a historical period of British rule and government over India. It is often capitalized and preceded by 'the' when used in this specific historical sense.
What is the difference between raj and reign?
Raj refers broadly to rule or government, and in its most common historical use specifically denotes British rule over India, while reign usually refers to the period during which a particular monarch rules. Raj is tied to a specific historical and geographic context in a way reign is not.
Is raj always capitalized?
When referring specifically to the historical period of British rule in India, Raj is typically capitalized as a proper noun. In its more general sense of rule or government, it may appear in lowercase.