Definition of Vedic accent
The pitch accent of Vedic Sanskrit, or Vedic accent (Vedic: स्वराः svarāḥ) for brevity, is traditionally divided by Sanskrit grammarians into three qualities, udātta उदात्त "raised" (acute accent, high pitch), anudātta अनुदात्त "not raised" (unstressed, or low pitch, grave accent) and svarita स्वरित "sounded" (high falling pitch, corresponds to the Greek circumflex accent). It is most similar to the pitch-accent system of modern-day Japanese.
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
What is Vedic accent?
The pitch accent of Vedic Sanskrit, or Vedic accent (Vedic: स्वराः svarāḥ) for brevity, is traditionally divided by Sanskrit grammarians into three qualities, udātta उदात्त "raised" (acute accent, high pitch), anudātta अनुदात्त "not raised" (unstressed, or…