Definition

A traditional practice in which a widow voluntarily sacrifices herself by being cremated on her husband's funeral pyre, showing her loyalty and devotion to him.

Example

In ancient times, suttee was a practice observed in some Hindu communities, where widows would choose to join their deceased husbands in death.

Conversation

I read about the ancient practice of suttee the other day.

Oh really? That sounds intense and quite tragic.

Yeah, it was meant to show devotion, but it seems so harsh now.

Definitely, it's hard to understand how that was accepted.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Suttee** → The word 'suttee' originates from the Hindi word 'sati' (meaning a virtuous woman) and is derived from the Sanskrit 'sati' (meaning a woman who is faithful to her husband). It refers to the historical practice in some Hindu communities where a widow would self-immolate on her husband's funeral pyre. The term reflects the cultural significance of a woman's loyalty and devotion in life and death.

Memory Tip

Think of the Hindi word 'sati' which means a virtuous woman, helping you remember that 'suttee' refers to the practice of a widow demonstrating her loyalty by self-immolation.

Visually Confused Words