anuvṛtti

 Anuvṛtti (अनुवृत्ति) in Sanskrit primarily signifies "following," "continuity," or "repetition," and in grammar, it refers to the continued application of a preceding rule to subsequent rules for clarity and brevity

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Linguistic and Grammatical Significance

In Sanskrit grammar (Vyakarana), particularly in Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, 

anuvṛtti is a critical device where a word or grammatical element 

from a previous sūtra is carried forward into subsequent sūtras. This

allows for economy of expression, avoids redundancy, and ensures

consistent interpretation across rules

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when a verb or suffix rule applies to multiple contexts, anuvṛtti enables

the rule to affect all relevant cases without repeating the full description

in each instance. Variants of this mechanism include Maṇdūkapluti, 

where some intermediate sūtras are skipped, and in rare cases, 

Apakarṣa, where the recurrence is backward from a later rule

to an earlier one

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General Meanings in Sanskrit

Beyond grammar, anuvṛtti carries broader semantic values:

• Following or compliance: acting according to, or in accordance 
• with something, such as a rule, example, or precedent

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• Continuity or sequence: the continuation of an action, behavior, 
• or influence from something that preceded

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• Imitation or resembling: acting in a manner similar to another, or 
• adherence to a previous model or standard

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• Obedience or conformity: maintaining adherence to expected 
• norms, duties, or instructions

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• 

  

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In summary, anuvṛtti embodies the idea of carrying forward, repeating, 

or conforming, making it central to understanding rules in Sanskrit 

grammar, interpreting literary texts, and expressing continuity or 

compliance in broader philosophical and practical contexts

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