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Definition of rastafari

rastafari

/ˌrɑːstəˈfɑːraɪ/
Ras · ta · fa · ri

Plural:Rastafaris
•
Adjective:Rastafarian
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rastafari Lexical Profile

rastafari Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to the Rastafari religious and cultural movement, its beliefs, or its followers.

Example

"Reggae music is deeply rooted in Rastafari spiritual traditions and social commentary."

• noun

1

An Abrahamic religious and social movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s, which reveres Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and emphasizes pan-African identity and spiritual repatriation.

Example

"The teachings of Rastafari emphasize natural living, spiritual mindfulness, and resistance against oppression."


2

An adherent or follower of the Rastafari movement.

Example

"As a devout Rastafari, he follows a strict vegetarian diet known as Ital."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for rastafari

Word Nuance & Usage

Many adherents of the movement prefer the term 'Rastafari' over 'Rastafarianism,' as they reject '-ism' suffixes as divisive and overly institutional.

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Amharic 'Ras Tafari,' the pre-regnal title and personal name of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia (combining 'Ras,' meaning 'head' or 'duke,' and 'Tafari,' meaning 'one who is respected or feared').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rastafari. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rastafari
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