Purdah - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Purdah refers to the practice of secluding women from public view, often through clothing like veils or separate living spaces, primarily observed in some Muslim and South Asian cultures for modesty and privacy.
Definition:
A curtain or screen used to separate women from men in some South Asian cultures.
Synonyms:
veil, partition, screen, curtain
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
openness, exposure
Common Collocations:
purdah system, observe purdah, maintain purdah
Derivatives:
purdahs (plural), purdahed (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "purdah" to describe cultural practices of seclusion, often involving physical barriers like curtains or screens.
Common Phrases:
behind the purdah, in purdah, break purdah
Etymology:
From Persian "pardah," meaning curtain or veil; entered English via Urdu and Hindi.
Examples:
- 1. She sat behind the purdah during the gathering.
- 2. The tradition of purdah is observed in many conservative households.
- 3. They installed a purdah to separate the women's area.
- 4. Breaking purdah was considered improper in her community.