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yathārūpaṁ

yathārūpa

accusative singular neuter of yathārūpa (adjective/adverb)

1. in the manner fitting to its nature
2. according to its own form
3. appropriately
4. in conformity with what is proper

Built from

• yathā — root · as, in the way that
  An old relative adverb (Sanskrit yathā) used to introduce a clause expressing manner or conformity. The concrete sense is 'in the path/way that'.'
• ā — prefix · toward, up to
  Reverses or extends the sense; here it emphasizes turning toward and taking on the quality or form.
• rūpa — root · form, appearance
  Cognate with English 'roof' (originally a covering and shape) and Latin rūpes (rock, something shaped). Refers to visible form and nature.
• m — ending · accusative singular neuter
  Marks the word as accusative singular neuter, functioning adverbially in context—'in this manner' or 'to this degree'.

Analysis. yathā (relative adverb "as, in the way that") + ārūpa (a- + rūpa, "form, appearance"; literally "not-form" or "formless aspect", or by reanalysis "in the form of"). The compound means "in the form/way that is fitting" or "just as it really is."

Etymology. yathā is an old relative adverb (Sanskrit yathā); rūpa ("form, shape") is cognate with English "roof" (originally a covering, hence shape) and Latin rūpes (rough rock, hence shaped stone). In the canon, yathārūpa often emphasizes perception or understanding of things in their true nature, without distortion.

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

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