When and Where I Found It: This word was the dictionary.com Word of the Day for Sunday, November 28th. Also, when I used to take yoga classes, my instructor would say this word at the end of each session. What It Means: According to dictionary.com, this word is "a conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting, used by the speaker usually while holding the palms together vertically in front of the bosom." In addition, this definition also mentions that the word is "frequently a part of yoga practice." Given this definition, it makes sense that my yoga teacher used this word at the end of our yoga sessions.
Namaste (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/archive/2010/11/28.html
Level of Familiarity: Previously, I have only heard this word used in my yoga classes. Aside from that experience, I have not heard this word used in other situations.
Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why? Yes, I want to know this word well. If I ever take yoga classes again, it would be helpful to know this word. Also, many aspects of the Hindu culture fascinate me, so I would love to add this to the list of things that I know about Hindus.
Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why? Yes, I think others should know this word well, especially if they take yoga classes. Also, those who know people who are Hindu would benefit greatly from knowing the meaning of this word. I liken it to knowing that "aloha" means "hello" and "goodbye" in Hawaiian. It could be useful to know the meaning of "namaste," even if you never end up meeting any Hindus.
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