Definition

1. Proper noun:

   • An ancient Iranian language: Avestan is an ancient East Iranian language, historically used to compose the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism. It is closely related to Old Persian and Sanskrit.
   • The script used to write this language: Avestan also refers to the distinctive alphabet developed to write down the Avesta, the Zoroastrian scriptures.

2. Adjective:

   • Of or pertaining to the Avesta: Relating to the Avesta, the primary collection of religious texts in Zoroastrianism.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Language):

  • Scholars study Avestan to understand early Zoroastrian liturgy.
  • The Gathas, hymns attributed to Zoroaster, are composed in an older form of Avestan.

• Proper noun (Script):

  • The Avestan script contains over 50 characters.
  • This manuscript is written in a beautiful Avestan script.

• Adjective:

  • The Avestan texts are central to Zoroastrian worship.
  • He specializes in Avestan grammar.

Advanced Usage

• "Avestan corpus": Refers to the entire body of literature written in the Avestan language.
  • The Avestan corpus provides insight into ancient Iranian culture and religion.

Variants and Related Words

• Avesta (Proper noun): The name of the sacred text itself.

  • The Avesta is written in the Avestan language.

• Zend (Noun, historical/archaic): An older term sometimes used for the Avestan language or for commentaries on the Avesta.

  • The term "Zend-Avesta" historically referred to the scriptures with commentary.

Synonyms

• Old Bactrian (Historical/obsolete synonym): An older, now largely abandoned, scholarly term for the language.
• Zend (Historical/archaic synonym, as noted above).

Related Terms (Not direct synonyms but closely associated)

• Zoroastrianism: The religion whose scriptures are in Avestan.
• Pahlavi: The Middle Persian language used for later Zoroastrian writings and commentaries on the Avesta.
• Old Persian: The language of the Achaemenid Empire, a different but related ancient Iranian language.

Adjective

1. of or pertaining to the Avesta (sacred text of Zoroastrianism)

Noun

1. the script in which the ancient Persian language of the Avesta is written
2. an ancient Iranian language