Pronunciation: [mˈɑːt] (IPA) 
The word "Maat" is spelled with two "a"s, but they are pronounced differently. The first "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat" using the IPA phonetic transcription [mɑːt]. The second "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "father" using the IPA phonetic transcription [mæt]. Maat is the ancient Egyptian goddess of truth, justice, and harmony. She was typically depicted with an ostrich feather on her head, which symbolized truth and justice.
Maat is an ancient Egyptian concept that encompasses multiple interconnected meanings, making it challenging to define in a single dictionary entry. Derived from the Egyptian word "m3t," which signifies truth, balance, and order, Maat represents a fundamental principle of Egyptian morality, law, and spirituality.
At its core, Maat embodies the notion of cosmic harmony and justice. It reflects the balanced and orderly functioning of the universe, maintained through the interaction between humans, gods, and nature. Maat is often personified by the goddess Maat herself, who embodies truth, justice, and balance.
Maat also refers to a set of ethical principles and values that guide human behavior. These principles include truthfulness, fairness, integrity, and the avoidance of chaos, deceit, and injustice. The concept of Maat provides a framework for individuals to live harmoniously within society and the natural world, promoting unity and social cohesion.
In the legal domain, Maat represents the objective standard for justice and fairness. Judges were entrusted with upholding Maat during court proceedings, ensuring the correct application of law and equity.
Moreover, Maat holds a spiritual dimension, offering a guide for Egyptian religious practices. It played a critical role in the afterlife and the judgment of the deceased's soul before the gods. The weighing of the heart ceremony, in which the heart of the deceased is balanced against the feather of Maat, determines the individual's righteousness and eligibility for eternal life.
In summary, Maat encompasses the concepts of truth, balance, justice, ethics, harmony, and orderliness, forming an essential aspect of ancient Egyptian civilization and belief system.
The word "Maat" originates from ancient Egypt and is derived from the Egyptian language. It can be traced back to the hieroglyphic symbols that represent the concept of balance, order, truth, justice, and harmony. The name "Maat" itself is somewhat a transliteration of the hieroglyphs that represent the word's phonetic sounds. Maat was a fundamental principle in ancient Egyptian philosophy and religion, representing the cosmic order and the divine balance that governed the world.
