How Do You Spell KIVA?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːvə] (IPA)

The word "Kiva" is a term used to describe a traditional underground chamber used for religious ceremonies by the Puebloan peoples of the American Southwest. The spelling of the word is pronounced /ˈkiːvə/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first letter "k" is pronounced as a voiceless velar stop, while the "i" sounds like a long "e" as in "beet". The "v" is a voiced labiodental fricative, and the final "a" is pronounced as a schwa sound. The correct pronunciation of this word is important to respect the culture and traditions of the Puebloan peoples.

KIVA Meaning and Definition

1. Kiva is a term that can be interpreted in different contexts. Primarily, Kiva refers to a small, underground chamber or room used by the Pueblo Native American tribes of the southwestern United States. These chambers were typically built below the ground level and were commonly used for religious and ceremonial purposes, as well as social gatherings. Kivas were often circular or rectangular in shape, with a ladder leading down to the chamber from the ground level.

   However, Kiva also has another meaning in the modern financial world. Kiva is the name of a non-profit organization that operates an online lending platform. This platform allows individuals to lend money to low-income entrepreneurs and students in various parts of the world. Through Kiva, lenders can make small loans that can have a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

   In this sense, Kiva acts as an intermediary between lenders and borrowers, facilitating financial support for individuals who may not have access to traditional banking systems. The loans provided through Kiva can be used for a wide range of purposes, including starting or expanding small businesses, funding education expenses, or improving living conditions.

   Overall, whether referring to the Native American ceremonial chamber or the non-profit organization, Kiva represents a space or platform where valuable connections and opportunities are fostered, whether in terms of cultural and spiritual practices or in the realm of financial inclusion and support.

Common Misspellings for KIVA

• kivaz
• kivsa
• kivas
• kivwa
• kivaw
• kivqa
• kivaq
• kvia
• kivva
• kivaa
• Kyva
• Kmva
• Khva
• Ki6a
• Kivc
• k iva
• ki va
• kiv a

Etymology of KIVA

The word "kiva" originates from the Hopi people, a Native American tribe indigenous to the Southwestern United States. The Hopi are known for their unique architectural structures called "kivas", which serve as ceremonial gathering places and are central to their religious and cultural practices.

The term "kiva" is derived from the Hopi language, specifically the word "kìvə" (pronounced kee-vuh), which roughly translates to "room" or "ceremonial chamber". The Hopi language belongs to the Uto-Aztecan language family, which encompasses various Native American languages spoken across the American Southwest and Mexico.

As the Hopi people have a long history and rich cultural traditions, the word "kiva" has been adopted and used more generally to describe similar ceremonial structures found among other indigenous peoples of the Southwest, such as the Pueblo and Zuni tribes.

Plural form of KIVA is KIVAS