caste
UK: kɑːst | US: kæst
n. a hereditary social class system, especially in Hindu society, where status is determined by birth
n. any rigid system of social stratification
caste = cast<race/lineage> + e (silent)
- cast (from Latin castus "pure, cut off") → originally referred to purity of lineage or separation.
- e (silent, added in English spelling) → no semantic function.
Etymology Origin:
The word entered English via Portuguese casta ("race, lineage"), derived from Latin castus ("pure"). The term evolved to describe the Hindu social hierarchy, emphasizing hereditary purity and separation between groups. The silent "e" reflects English spelling conventions.
The caste system in India historically restricted social mobility.
Discrimination based on caste is illegal in many countries.
She faced challenges due to her lower-caste background.
The novel critiques the rigidity of caste divisions.
Some societies still struggle with caste-based prejudices.