utu
Noun: 1. A concept of balance, reciprocity, or revenge in Māori culture: "Utu" represents a fundamental principle of maintaining social equilibrium. It is often described as a cycle of gift, exchange, or payment to restore balance, which can encompass acts of kindness, compensation, or retaliation. * The act of giving a gift created an obligation of utu, a debt that would someday be repaid. * Utu was not merely about revenge; it was about restoring the mana (prestige) and balance between individuals or groups.
- As a cultural principle:
- The concept of utu is central to understanding traditional Māori social relationships.
- The dispute was settled according to the principles of utu, with a formal exchange of valuables.
- In the context of repayment or response:
- His generous help was an act of utu for a favor he received years earlier.
- In the story, the hero seeks utu for the wrongs committed against his family.
- "Utu" in modern contexts: While rooted in tradition, the term is sometimes used in contemporary New Zealand English to refer to payback, revenge, or getting even, though this can oversimplify its traditional meaning.
- He was just looking for a bit of utu after the practical joke they played on him.
- Mana (n): Prestige, authority, spiritual power. Often interconnected with , as actions affect one's .
- Reciprocity (n): The practice of exchanging things for mutual benefit. This is a core component of the concept of .
- Retribution (n): Punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong. This aligns with one aspect of .
- Reciprocity: The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.
- Reprisal: An act of retaliation.
- Recompense: Compensation or reward given for loss or harm suffered, or for effort made.
The provided reference context ("sun god; counterpart of Akkadian Shamash") describes a different word, likely from a different language (e.g., a Hurrian or Hittite deity). This definition does not apply to the Māori word utu. The explanation above is for the Māori concept.
- sun god; counterpart of Akkadian Shamash