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nānattasmiṁ

nānatta

locative singular of nānatta (neuter noun)

1. in diversity
2. in difference
3. in variety

Built from

• nāna — root · different, various
  Formed from na (not) + eka (one); the sense is 'not unified, manifold'. The prefix na- negates unity.
• -tta — ending · abstract noun suffix
  Converts the adjective nāna into the abstract noun nānatta, meaning 'diversity' or 'difference' itself.
• -smiṁ — ending · locative singular
  Indicates the location, respect, or sphere in which something obtains; here, 'in the sphere of diversity'.

Analysis. nānatta is a compound of nāna (different, various) + -tta (abstract noun suffix); nāna itself is formed from na (not) + āna, expressing the sense of 'not one' or 'manifold'. The locative singular ending -smiṁ indicates the location or respect in which something is understood.

Etymology. The root is na (not) combined with a form related to 'one' or 'unity' (Pali eka, Sanskrit eka). The abstract suffix -tta (like English -ness, -ty) converts the adjective into a noun. Related to Sanskrit nānā (various, manifold) and English 'nine' (from the sense of 'not-one', a plural concept).

Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.

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