noun

vani

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Vani (noun) means a custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing. Example: “Human rights groups have campaigned for decades to end vani and similar forced-marriage customs.”

noun

A custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing.

"Human rights groups have campaigned for decades to end vani and similar forced-marriage customs."

How to use vani

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tribal practice of forcing a girl into marriage or servitude to compensate for a crime committed by her family.

When to use it

A specific cultural/legal term, mostly used in human-rights and news contexts; the practice is illegal in Pakistan but still occurs in some areas.

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Human rights groups have campaigned for decades to end _____ and similar forced-marriage customs.

Etymology

Borrowed from a term in Pakistani regional languages for this traditional dispute-settlement practice.

Rhymes for vani

ani rani Dani Lani Mani nani Tani Hani Armani Zamani afghani biryani

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Frequently asked questions

What does “vani” mean?

The word “vani” means a custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing. In plain terms, a tribal practice of forcing a girl into marriage or servitude to compensate for a crime committed by her family.

How do you use “vani” in a sentence?

Here is “vani” used in a sentence: “Human rights groups have campaigned for decades to end vani and similar forced-marriage customs.”

What part of speech is “vani”?

“Vani” is a noun.

What is the meaning of vani?

"vani" (noun) means a custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing.