atman

noun

at·​man ˈät-mən How to pronounce atman (audio)
-ˌmän
often capitalized
1
Hinduism : the innermost essence of each individual
2
Hinduism : the supreme universal self : brahma sense 2

Examples of atman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hindus seek to reveal their atman, which is characterized by an innate state of awareness in which one witnesses the world but does not get embroiled in it. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit ātman, literally, breath, soul; akin to Old English ǣthm breath

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of atman was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near atman

Cite this Entry

“Atman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atman. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on atman

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!