mandir
UK[ˈmʌn.dɪər]US[ˈmʌn.dɪr]
n
A Hindu temple or place of worship.
Etymology
The word 'mandir' entered English directly from Hindi and other modern Indic languages, which themselves inherited it from Classical Sanskrit. In Sanskrit, 'mandira' broadly meant a dwelling, abode, or palace, often for a deity or a king. The term's journey into English reflects cultural and religious exchange, specifically the adoption of a key term for a sacred space from Hinduism. Its meaning in English has narrowed from the original Sanskrit sense of a general dwelling to refer specifically to a Hindu temple, the dwelling place of the divine.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Sanskrit (मन्दिर, mandira) meaning "dwelling, palace, temple, house." It functions as a simplex noun in English.
Examples
The community gathered at the local mandir for the Diwali celebrations.
The intricate carvings on the ancient mandir depicted scenes from Hindu epics.
He visits the mandir every morning to offer prayers.