caste — a hereditary social class system, especially in Hindu society
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a hereditary social class system, especially in Hindu society
Pronunciation (IPA): /kæst/
Example Sentences
- The dating app accidentally created a modern caste system based on profile photos.
- In some societies, caste determines marriage partners and career opportunities.
- The school cafeteria seemed to have its own caste system: athletes, nerds, and everyone else.
caste
NOUN[/kæst/]
a hereditary social class system, especially in Hindu society
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Portuguese 'casta' meaning 'breed' or 'lineage,' derived from Latin 'castus' meaning 'pure' or 'chaste.' The term was applied by Portuguese colonizers to describe the hereditary social classes they encountered in Hindu society.
Breakdown
Portuguese casta (breed/lineage) ← Latin castus (pure/chaste) = caste (hereditary social class)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The dating app accidentally created a modern caste system based on profile photos.”
“In some societies, caste determines marriage partners and career opportunities.”
“The school cafeteria seemed to have its own caste system: athletes, nerds, and everyone else.”
“Modern India is working to eliminate caste-based discrimination.”
📚Related Words
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