noun

rasa

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Rasa (noun) means In Indian aesthetics, the dominant emotional flavor or mood that a work of art, dance, or drama is designed to evoke in its audience. Example: “The choreographer built the entire piece around the rasa of longing.”

noun

In Indian aesthetics, the dominant emotional flavor or mood that a work of art, dance, or drama is designed to evoke in its audience.

"The choreographer built the entire piece around the rasa of longing."

"Classical Indian theatre theory identifies nine core rasas, from love to fear to wonder."

How to use rasa

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA term from Indian art and drama theory for the core emotional "flavor" of a piece.

Memory tip

You may recognize this word from the phrase "tabula rasa," but that's unrelated Latin (rasa there means "scraped clean") — this rasa is Sanskrit and means "essence" or "flavor."

Trace the full origin ↓

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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: rasas

Test yourself on “rasa” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The choreographer built the entire piece around the _____ of longing.

Etymology

A direct borrowing of Sanskrit rasa, literally "juice" or "essence" — the sense extended from a plant's extractable essence to the emotional "essence" a performance leaves with its audience.

Origin: Sanskrit

Rhymes for rasa

Asa casa vasa masa Nasa Lhasa Mombasa

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Frequently asked questions

What does “rasa” mean?

The word “rasa” means in Indian aesthetics, the dominant emotional flavor or mood that a work of art, dance, or drama is designed to evoke in its audience. In plain terms, a term from Indian art and drama theory for the core emotional "flavor" of a piece.

How do you use “rasa” in a sentence?

Here is “rasa” used in a sentence: “The choreographer built the entire piece around the rasa of longing.”

What part of speech is “rasa”?

“Rasa” is a noun.

Where does the word “rasa” come from?

The word “rasa” comes from Sanskrit. A direct borrowing of Sanskrit rasa, literally "juice" or "essence" — the sense extended from a plant's extractable essence to the emotional "essence" a performance leaves with its audience.

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Words with Sanskrit origins