bahai
UK[bəˈhaɪ]US[bəˈhaɪ]
adj
Of or relating to the Baháʼí Faith, a monotheistic religion founded in the 19th century emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind.
n
An adherent of the Baháʼí Faith.
Etymology
The term originates from the Arabic title 'Bahāʼ Allāh' (Glory of God), the title of Mīrzā Ḥusayn-ʻAlī Nūrī (1817–1892), the founder of the Baháʼí Faith. It entered English in the late 19th century as a direct borrowing, first used to denote the followers of this religion and later as an adjective describing its principles and institutions. The word's journey reflects the globalization of religious movements, moving from its specific Arabic and Persian religious context into the lexicon of world religions in English.
Analysis
The word 'Bahai' is a loanword derived from the Arabic title 'Bahāʼ Allāh' (بهاء الله), meaning "Glory of God." It is not productively formed from separable English morphemes.
Examples
She has been a devoted Bahai for over twenty years.
The Bahai community in the city organized an interfaith prayer service.
The principles of Bahai teachings emphasize the oneness of humanity.