anu

In Sanskrit, 

anu (अनु) is a highly versatile prefix (upasarga), preposition, and particle. Its meaning changes depending on how it is used in a sentence or compound.

1. Primary Meanings

• After / Behind: Denotes following in time or space (e.g., Anuja – "born after," meaning a younger brother).
• Along / Alongside: Denotes proximity or moving parallel to something (e.g., Anugangam – "along the Ganges").
• According to / In conformity with: Following a rule or standard (e.g., Anurūpa – "according to the form" or "suitable").
• Every / Each: Used to denote repetition or distribution (e.g., Anudinam – "every day").
• Subordinate to: Denotes a lower rank or following a leader.

2. Distinction: Anu vs. Aṇu

It is important to distinguish the prefix anu from the noun aṇu:

• Anu (अनु): The prefix meaning "after" or "along."
• Aṇu (अणु): A noun meaning "atom," "particle," or "minute." In 2025, this remains the root for the Hindi/Sanskrit word for "atomic" (āṇavika).

3. Common Compound Samples

• Anugacchati: "He follows" (anu + gam).
• Anubhāva: "An ensuing feeling" or "external manifestation of emotion."
• Anumati: "Consent" or "permission" (literally "thinking along with").
• Anuvāda: "Translation" (literally "saying after" or "repeating").
• Anukampā: "Compassion" (literally "trembling along with" someone else's suffering).

4. Philosophical Significance

• Anuvratas: In Jainism, these are the "small vows" or "lesser vows" followed by laypeople, as opposed to the Mahavratas (great vows) of monks.
• Anumāna: In Indian logic (Nyaya), this refers to "inference"—the knowledge that follows perception.

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References: Wisdom Library: Definition and Grammar of Anu Sanskrit Dictionary: Lexicon entries for Anu Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary Vedabase: Etymology of Anu in various verses