Caste: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘ฅ
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caste

 

[ kษ‘หst ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

social structure

A system of dividing society into different hierarchical groups based on social status, occupation, and ancestry.

Synonyms

class system, social hierarchy, social stratification

Examples of usage

  • In some cultures, one's caste determines their social standing and opportunities.
  • Caste discrimination is illegal in many countries around the world.
Context #2 | Noun

Indian context

A hereditary social class in Hindu society, typically associated with a specific occupation.

Synonyms

jati, varna

Examples of usage

  • The Brahmins belong to the highest caste in the traditional Indian caste system.
  • Her caste dictated the type of work she could do.
Context #3 | Verb

performing

To assign a particular role or job to someone.

Synonyms

appoint, assign, select

Examples of usage

  • She was cast as the lead role in the play.
  • The director cast the actor for the villain character.

Translations

Translations of the word "caste" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น casta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคพเคคเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kaste

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kasta

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะฐัั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kasta

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ซใƒผใ‚นใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท caste

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ casta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kast

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์นด์ŠคํŠธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทุจู‚ุฉ ุงุฌุชู…ุงุนูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kasta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kasta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็งๅง“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kasta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ stรฉtt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะฐัั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒกแƒขแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kast

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ casta

Etymology

The word 'caste' originated from the Portuguese word 'casta,' which means 'race' or 'breed.' The concept of caste has been prevalent in various societies throughout history, with the Indian caste system being one of the most well-known examples. Caste systems have often been associated with social hierarchy, discrimination, and limited social mobility. While some societies have moved towards greater equality and meritocracy, the impact of caste continues to be felt in many parts of the world.

See also: cast, castaway, caster, casting, castle, forecast, outcast, uncast.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,112 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.