Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • An ancient Sanskrit text: The Kamasutra is a classical Indian text, traditionally attributed to Vatsyayana, that is a comprehensive guide to human sexual behavior, relationships, and pleasure within the framework of virtuous living.
   • A work on aesthetics and social conduct: While famous for its detailed descriptions of sexual positions, the text is also a treatise on the nature of love, finding a life partner, and maintaining a harmonious household.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Kamasutra is often misunderstood as merely a catalog of sexual techniques.
  • Scholars study the Kamasutra for its insights into ancient Indian society and social norms.
  • A modern translation of the Kamasutra made the text accessible to a wider audience.

Advanced Usage

• "in the style of the Kamasutra": used to describe something done with a focus on sensual pleasure, artistry, or detailed knowledge, often in a metaphorical sense.
  • Their approach to cooking was almost in the style of the Kamasutra, with great attention to sensory detail and pleasure.

Variants and Related Words

• Kama Sutra: An alternative, common spelling of the same text.
• Kama: (Sanskrit noun) One of the four goals of human life in Hindu philosophy, meaning desire, pleasure, love, and aesthetic enjoyment. The Kamasutra is a guide to achieving this goal.
• Sutra: (Sanskrit noun) A rule or aphorism; a type of concise manual or text in Indian literature.

Synonyms

• Erotic manual: A handbook dealing with sexual love.
• Treatise on love: A formal written work examining the subject of love and relationships.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A modern Kamasutra": A phrase sometimes used to describe a contemporary book or guide that provides extensive advice on sexual practices or relationships.
  • The magazine published an article it called "a modern Kamasutra for the digital dating age."

Noun

1. (Hinduism) an ancient Sanskrit text giving rules for sensuous and sensual pleasure and love and marriage in accordance with Hindu law