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Anchorite: meaning, definitions and examples

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anchorite

 

[ หˆรฆล‹kษ™raษชt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious hermit

An anchorite is a person who has chosen to withdraw from society to lead a life of contemplation and prayer, typically in a secluded area. Historically, anchorites were often associated with Christian monasticism and would sometimes live in small cells attached to churches. The life of an anchorite is characterized by strict asceticism and a commitment to spiritual goals. They are considered to be spiritual seekers who focus on developing a deep, personal relationship with the divine. This lifestyle is often seen as a form of devotion that requires significant sacrifice.

Synonyms

ascetic, hermit, monk, recluse

Examples of usage

  • The anchorite spent years in solitude, meditating on the scriptures.
  • Many anchorites were sought after for their wisdom and spiritual guidance.
  • In the Middle Ages, it was common to find anchorites in rural areas away from bustling towns.

Translations

Translations of the word "anchorite" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น รขncora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฟเคตเคพเคธเฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Anachoret

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ anchor

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดะปัŽะดะฝะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ anchoryta

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้š ่€…

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท anachorรจte

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ anacoreta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sฤฑdkฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์€๋‘”์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุงุณูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ anachoreta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ anachoret

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้šๅฃซ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ anahoret

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ ankara

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะฝะฐั…ะพั€ะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒœแƒแƒฎแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ anaxorete

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ anacoreta

Etymology

The term 'anchorite' comes from the Greek word 'anachorฤ“tฤ“s', which means 'one who withdraws' or 'retreats.' This term was later adopted into Latin as 'anchorita,' reflecting the Christian context of those who separated themselves for a life of prayer. The practice of anchoretism gained prominence in the early Middle Ages, particularly in the 4th century, with figures such as St. Anthony of Egypt and St. Jerome promoting the virtues of hermitic life. Anchorites would often be placed in solitary confinement within a small cell, sometimes within the walls of a church, where they could engage in prayer and reflection away from worldly distractions. The role of anchorites evolved over time, and they were often seen as spiritual leaders or advisors within their communities, despite their physical separation from society.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,280 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.