अनित्य
English meaning: transient, impermanent
Definition
Anitya describes that which is impermanent and subject to change, decay, and destruction. The whole phenomenal world is anitya, in contrast with the eternal Brahman.
Example
“अनित्यानि शरीराणि।”
In English: “Bodies are impermanent.”
Another example: “शरीरम् अनित्यम् आत्मा तु नित्यः।”
Usage — When, Where & How
Philosophy; the adjective 'transient, impermanent', that which is subject to change and decay—a characterization of the whole phenomenal world. Paired with nitya in the discrimination of the eternal from the non-eternal. Chiefly philosophical, also ordinary prose.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From the negative prefix a- ('not') and nitya ('eternal'); hence 'impermanent, transient'.
Synonyms
- क्षणिक
- नश्वर
- अध्रुव
- अस्थिर
Antonyms / Opposites
- नित्य
- शाश्वत
- सनातन
Related Words
Common Collocations
- अनित्यभाव
- नित्यानित्यविवेक
- अनित्यवस्तु
- अनित्यजगत्
- अनित्यता
Word Forms
adj.; अनित्यः m. / अनित्या f. / अनित्यम् n.; instr. अनित्येन
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।”
/Yogasthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṃ tyaktvā Dhanañjaya./
“Perform actions fixed in yoga, abandoning attachment, O Arjuna.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- संस्कृतम्
- Sanskrit
- Script
- Devanagari
- Family
- Indo-Aryan
- Speakers
- 5M