निश्चय
English meaning: certainty, determination, resolve
Definition
Niścaya means certainty, firm determination, or a definite conclusion. It is the quality of mind that is free from doubt. In epistemology it refers to definite knowledge as opposed to mere probability.
Example
“निश्चयेन कार्यं सिद्ध्यति।”
In English: “Work succeeds with firm determination.”
Another example: “सः दृढनिश्चयेन कार्यं समापयति।”
Usage — When, Where & How
Classical register, common in philosophy, ethics, and everyday speech for firm resolve or a settled conclusion. Frequently the goal of deliberation (vicāra) and contrasted with doubt (saṃśaya).
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From the prefix ni- ('down, firmly') with the root √ci ('to gather, ascertain'), literally 'firmly gathered', hence settled certainty.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- दृढनिश्चय
- निश्चयात्मक
- निश्चयबुद्धि
- आत्मनिश्चय
- निश्चयपूर्वक
Word Forms
m., a-stem; nom. निश्चयः, acc. निश्चयम्, instr. निश्चयेन, gen. निश्चयस्य
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“मन्दः कवियशः प्रार्थी गमिष्याम्युपहास्यताम्। प्रांशुलभ्ये फले लोभादुद्बाहुरिव वामनः।।”
/Mandah kaviyashah prarthhi gamishyamyupahasytam. Pramshu-labhe phale lobhadud-bahur iva vamanah./
“Feeble-minded yet aspiring to a poet's fame, I go to be ridiculed — like a dwarf reaching for high fruit.”
“रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः साधुः सत्यपराक्रमः”
/Ramo vigrahavan dharmah sadhuh satya-parakramah/
“Rama is righteousness incarnate — virtuous and true in valour.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- संस्कृतम्
- Sanskrit
- Script
- Devanagari
- Family
- Indo-Aryan
- Speakers
- 5M