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Nagari script

Nagari script

9.3
A writing system used for Hindi and Sanskrit that uses symbols for syllables and a horizontal line above the symbols
  • noun
  • /nəˈɡɑːri skrɪpt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : escritura nagari
  • Hindi newspapers in India are commonly printed using the Nagari script.

Examples

  • Learning to read Nagari script is essential for scholars of Sanskrit literature.

  • The ancient texts were originally written in Nagari script on palm leaves.

  • The Nagari script is essential for understanding Hindi literature.

  • Many students learn the Nagari script in school.

  • Many students learn the Nagari script in school to read their Hindi texts.

  • Learning to read Nagari script is essential for scholars of Sanskrit literature.

  • Hindi newspapers in India are commonly printed using the Nagari script.

Synonyms

Nagari
vsNagari script
  • Specialized
9.9

A script used to write Sanskrit and Hindi that became the Devanagari alphabet

is identified by a horizontal line across the top of letters
Devanagari
vsNagari script
  • Specialized
8.9

A writing system for languages like Hindi and Sanskrit

is used mainly for Sanskrit and Hindi rather than many languages
Devanagari script
vsNagari script
  • Specialized
8.1

A writing system that uses symbols for syllables and is used for Hindi and Sanskrit

is used mainly for Sanskrit and Hindi rather than many languages

Surface Forms

Nagari script singular

Morphology

Nagari + script

This is a straightforward noun phrase: the writing system called 'Nagari' combined with 'script' (writing system). The meaning is directly compositional and non-idiomatic — a B1 learner who knows both constituents will understand it as the script named Nagari.

Etymology

Nagari script comes from an old word 'nagara' meaning 'city'. People used Nagari as the writing or script in towns for important books, and its letters often join under a clear top line, so Nagari script today means the written form with that top line used for Sanskrit and Hindi.