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Verbs and Prefixes in Sanskrit

Introduction

  • This section emphasizes the importance of verbs.
  • Everything revolves around the verb because action is the basis for language.

Role of Verbs

  • If there is no action, there is no need for language.
  • The previous discussion established the verb's importance in karakas.
  • Language is only required because we engage in action.
  • Several aspects of linguistics revolve around action.

Derived Noun Roots

  • Several noun roots are derived from verb roots in Sanskrit.
  • This makes verbs even more important.
  • Many nouns originate from verbs.

Synonyms

  • Sanskrit has several synonyms for a word.
  • Synonyms are derived from a dhatu (verbal root).
  • Knowing the dhatus enables us to understand synonyms and their unique meanings.

Increase in power of language

  • Understanding this concept and the signifcance of action significantly increases the power of the language.
  • We can choose the most appropriate synonym for the context.

Knowing Verbs

  • We need to know the verbs and their origins.

Example: Fire

  • Derive fire from the verb to show several possibillities.

  • Several synonyms for fire possible from "kr"" root.

  • Several verbs can be derived.

  • vahni:

    • Derived from the dhatu vah (to carry).
    • Use when fire is a carrier (e.g., ahuti being offered).

  • pavakah:

    • Derived from the dhatu pun (to purify).
    • Remove “pu", meaning to purify
    • Use when discussing fire as a purifying agent.

  • susma:

    • Dhatu is sush (to dry or shrink).
    • Use when talking about heat evaporating water or shrinking organic objects.

  • dahanah:

    • Dhatu is dah (to convert or burn to ashes).
    • Use when communicating fire's power to burn objects.

Appropriateness of Verbs

  • Knowing these verbs is very important.
  • Using the right verb conveys the meaning precisely.
  • Using the correct and the appropriate Verb helps the other understand what the message should be!

Verbs and Prefixes

  • Diagram shows "kr" dhatu and its forms.
  • apa-karoti, upa-karoti, ut-karoti, pra-karoti, prati-karoti, pratyupa-karoti, anu-karoti, sams-karoti, vyakaroti, nira-karoti, adhi-karoti.
  • "kr" means "to do".

Effect of Prefixes

  • Attaching a prefix changes the meaning.

  • Prefix and Suffix

    • We have already been talking about suffix and the operation. *We are gonna talk about Prefix now"" *Prefix and Meanings

  • apa-karoti:

    • apa means away.
    • apa-karoti means take it away.

  • upa-karoti:

    • upa means closer.
    • upa-karoti means bring it near (help).

  • nira-karoti:

    • nira means opposite.
    • nira-karoti means disagree.

Power of Prefixes

  • Attaching prefixes increases the power and scope of verbs.
  • There are 22 prefixes in Sanskrit.
  • These can make the verb even more expressive and powerful.

Effects on Meaning

  • Strengthening or Emphasizing:

    • "smarati" (remembers).
    • "sam-smarati" (remembers very well).

  • Expanding or Improvising:

    • "karoti" (does) with different prefixes (upa, apa, etc.).

  • Bringing Opposite Meaning:

    • "karoti" (does).
    • "prati-karoti" (nullifying it).
    • Gacchati (going), Aagacchati: comes (opposite direction) know that kind of things

Prefix Usage

  • It gives opposite meaning.
  • You can attach more than one prefix to get the Power to be stronger.

Verbs and Language Power

  • Verbs can be converted into nouns.
  • Create synonyms to give expressive power.
  • Attaching prefixes enhances the scope of verbs.
  • Meaning, improvise, strengthen, emphasize and makes Language to be very powerful

Summary

  • These features are unique to Sanskrit.
  • The way we use verbs are very powerful in the Sanskrit Language.
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