Prakrit

[ prah-krit, -kreet ]

noun

1. any of the vernacular Indic languages of the ancient and medieval periods, as distinguished from Sanskrit.

Prakrit

/ ˈprɑːkrɪt /

noun

1. any of the vernacular Indic languages as distinguished from Sanskrit: spoken from about 300 bc to the Middle Ages See also Pali

Derived Forms

• Praˈkritic, adjective

Other Words From

• Pra·kritic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Prakrit¹

1780–90; < Sanskrit prākṛta, derivative of prakṛti; prakriti

Word History and Origins

Origin of Prakrit¹

C18: from Sanskrit prāktra original, from pra- before + kr to do, make + -ta indicating a participle

Example Sentences

According to them, Prakrit is the only sacred language, and is used in their sacred literature, as well as in Ceylon.

From Project Gutenberg

The only original Prakrit tenses which have survived in Marathi are the present and the imperative.

From Project Gutenberg

From this point of view every vernacular of India, from the earliest times, is a Prakrit.

From Project Gutenberg

We have seen that the word “Prakrit” means “natural” or “vernacular,” as opposed to the “purified” literary Sanskrit.

From Project Gutenberg

A still later and more abraded stage is also discussed under the head of Prakrit.

From Project Gutenberg