Nirvana Meaning
/nɪrˈvɑːn(ɑː)/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounComplete cessation of dukkha; a blissful state attained through realization of sunyata; enlightened experience.
nounState of paradise; heightened or great pleasure or peace; a state of universal perfection and bliss.
Sentence Examples
I pray that his soul attains nirvana.
You have a long way to go before you attain nirvana, my friend.
Chandrika was not reborn, as her soul had attained nirvana.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
After years of meditation, the monk finally attained a state of complete peace called ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In many Eastern religions, ____ represents a state of perfect peace and happiness.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Sanskrit निर्वाण (nirvāṇa, “blown or put out, extinguished”), from निस् (nis, “out”) + वा (vā, “to blow”), the second part cognate with Russian ве́тер (véter, “wind”), weather, vent and wind.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Welcome to this celebration of legal abortion. I wish January 22 meant more than that. The truth is that we are not winging our way to a state of nirvana for reproductive rights."
— 1988 February 7, Stephanie Poggi, “What's Choice Got To Do With It?”, in Gay Community News, volume 15, number 29, page 5:
"Though we don’t all reach nirvana when we swim, swimming may well be that last refuge from connectivity — and, for some, the only way to find the solitary self."
— 2014 February 14, Bonnie Tsui, “The Self-Reflecting Pool”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 15 Aug 2021:
"No, Virginia, the combination of Trump’s tax cuts and tariffs don’t help and, yes, when the AI investment bubble pops GDP growth will drop making the deficit/GDP ratio worse, unless you believe the tech bros hype about AI suddenly delivering universal nirvana."
— 2026 January 24, Michael Pascoe, “America’s mighty economic power has feet of clay”, in Michael West Media:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After years of meditation, the monk finally attained a state of complete peace called ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
In many Eastern religions, ____ represents a state of perfect peace and happiness.