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Glite Dictionary
Vedic literature

Vedic literature

9.9
Ancient sacred writings of Hinduism written in an old Indian language
  • noun
  • /ˈveɪdɪk ˈlɪtərətʃər/
translation icon : literatura védica
  • Many scholars study Vedic literature to understand the philosophical concepts of ancient India.

Examples

  • The rituals described in Vedic literature form the basis of many Hindu practices today.

  • The Vedic literature repeatedly expresses a vivid appreciation of and deep reverence for nature.

    Academic text (1993)

  • In academic circles, Vedic literature is regarded as a vital source of early Indian culture and spirituality.

Synonyms

Veda
vsVedic literature
1 9.9

An ancient sacred Hindu book written in old Sanskrit

refers to the whole body of ancient sacred writings rather than one text

Surface Forms

Vedic literature singular
Vedic literatures plural

Morphology

Vedic + literature

The meaning is compositional: the adjective 'Vedic' (pertaining to the Vedas or ancient Sanskrit) modifies 'literature' (writings), so together they denote writings associated with the Vedas. This adjective+noun combination follows normal English semantics and is cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can deduce the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The term Vedic literature comes from Veda, a Sanskrit word meaning 'knowledge'. Long ago, priests learned the Vedas by heart and sang them at ceremonies, so Vedic literature became the name for the ancient sacred writings of Hinduism.