好词典

brahmin

UK //ˈbrɑːmɪn//US //ˈbrɑːmɪn//

词源

源自梵语 'brāhmaṇa'(ब्राह्मण),指印度教祭司阶层,18世纪通过殖民接触进入英语,19世纪被借用以比喻美国社会精英。

noun

❶ 指印度教种姓制度中的最高阶层,传统上由祭司和学者组成,负责宗教仪式和知识传承。

“The brahmin performed the sacred rituals at the temple.”

(这位婆罗门在寺庙里主持了神圣的仪式。)

“In ancient India, brahmins were highly respected for their knowledge.”

(在古印度,婆罗门因其学识而备受尊敬。)

❶ 在美国新英格兰地区,指社会或文化精英,尤其是有教养、有学识的上流阶层人士。

“The Boston brahmins were known for their refined tastes and education.”

(波士顿的精英阶层以其高雅的品味和教育水平闻名。)

“He was considered a brahmin of the literary world.”

(他被认为是文学界的精英人物。)

同义词:priest, scholar, elite, intellectual, patrician

常见短语

Boston Brahmin — 特指美国波士顿地区历史悠久、社会地位高的上流阶层家族,常带有文化优越感的含义。

“The Lowell family was a prominent member of the Boston Brahmins.”

(洛厄尔家族是波士顿精英阶层中的显赫成员。)