Indo-European, Sanskrit word for God, originally thought of as feminine. The modern word Goddess has changed connotations to represent a lesser form of divinity. Deva had the meaning we typically think of as the word God today, however God was thought to be the Great Mother.
In Buddhism Deva's are highly evolved beings who inhabit different levels of existence. Deva's are commonly associated with great
beauty and
bliss.
Modern New
Age versions of Deva's are thought of similarly to angels, nature spirits, or fairies.
Pronounced
Day-va.