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Purdah: meaning, definitions and examples

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purdah

 

[ ˈpɜːrdə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

cultural practice

Purdah is a cultural practice that involves the seclusion of women from public observation. It is a form of social and religious practice in some Muslim and Hindu communities, where women dress modestly and remain in seclusion in the presence of men who are not family members. Purdah can also refer to the physical veils or curtains used to create a separate space for women. This practice is rooted in traditional cultural values around modesty and gender roles.

Synonyms

seclusion, segregation, veil

Examples of usage

  • Women observe purdah during family gatherings.
  • In some regions, purdah is seen as an integral part of cultural identity.
  • The community held a debate on the relevance of purdah in modern society.

Translations

Translations of the word "purdah" in other languages:

🇵🇹 purdah

🇮🇳 पुरदा

🇩🇪 Purdah

🇮🇩 purdah

🇺🇦 пурда

🇵🇱 purdah

🇯🇵 プルダ

🇫🇷 purdah

🇪🇸 purdah

🇹🇷 purdah

🇰🇷 푸르다

🇸🇦 بردة

🇨🇿 purdah

🇸🇰 purdah

🇨🇳 帕尔达

🇸🇮 purdah

🇮🇸 purdah

🇰🇿 пурда

🇬🇪 პურდა

🇦🇿 purdah

🇲🇽 purdah

Word origin

The term 'purdah' originates from the Persian word 'pardah', which means 'curtain' or 'veil'. It was adopted into the Indian subcontinent's languages, such as Urdu and Hindi, during the period of Persian influence over the region. The practice itself dates back to ancient cultures in the Middle East and South Asia. Purdah has evolved over centuries and can vary significantly in its application and interpretation across different cultures and communities. While it is primarily associated with Muslim societies, similar practices can be found in Hindu communities and others. In contemporary discussions, purdah is often examined in the context of women's rights and gender equality, with some advocating for its reconsideration or reform in light of modern values.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,636 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.