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Definition of arhat
arhat
/ˈɑːr.hət/
ar · hat
Plural:arhats
arhat Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
arhat Game Scores & Validity
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• noun
1
In Buddhism, particularly within Theravada traditions, a perfected person who has overcome all defilements, attained spiritual enlightenment, and achieved nirvana.
Example
"After years of rigorous ascetic practice and profound meditation, the monk was revered by his followers as a living arhat."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for arhatWord Nuance & Usage
In Buddhist theology, an arhat is often conceptually distinguished from a 'bodhisattva'; an arhat focuses on achieving personal enlightenment and nirvana, whereas a bodhisattva vows to delay ultimate liberation to help all sentient beings attain it.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Sanskrit 'arhat', meaning 'worthy' or 'deserving', representing the present participle of the root 'arh-' (to deserve, to be worthy).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Arhat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/arhat