mahatma

Everyday

1. A title meaning «great soul», given in India to a person who is very wise, good and respected. tree →
2. (a name) Most often used for Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's peaceful struggle for freedom from British rule. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, «Mahatma» appears in the name Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), who led Indians in non-violent protest, like the Salt March of 1930, and inspired Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela. «Mahatma» is a title of respect, not his first name (that was Mohandas). Phrases: «Mahatma Gandhi», «the Mahatma».

Examples

• Mahatma Gandhi led India's struggle for freedom without violence. tree →
• «Mahatma» means «great soul» in Sanskrit. tree →
• His real first name was Mohandas, and «Mahatma» was a title people gave him. tree →
• We read about the Mahatma's long walk to the sea to make salt. tree →
• Many people called Gandhi «the Mahatma» with deep respect. tree →
• Gandhi's birthday, 2 October, is a national holiday in India. tree →
• Martin Luther King Jr learned from the Mahatma's ideas about peaceful protest. tree →
• A mahatma is someone people see as very wise and good. tree →

Note

Usually written with a capital as a title: Mahatma Gandhi. A loanword from Sanskrit («maha» great + «atma» soul). Not his first name. Rarely used about anyone else in English. Not a maths word.