noun
- A gesture of respect consisting of a bow with the palms of the hands pressed together in front of the chest or forehead.
Usage: Often used in yoga classes and spiritual contexts
interjection
- A respectful greeting or farewell used in South Asian cultures, often accompanied by a bow with palms pressed together.
Usage: From Sanskrit; commonly used in yoga and meditation contexts in English-speaking countries; Pronounced with stress on the first syllable
Examples
- The yoga instructor began class by saying 'namaste' to all the students.
- She greeted her guests with a namaste, pressing her palms together respectfully.
- At the end of the meditation session, everyone exchanged a namaste.
- The Sanskrit word namaste literally means 'I bow to you.'
- He performed a namaste as a sign of gratitude and respect.
- Many Western yoga studios have adopted the practice of ending class with namaste.