Ascetic: meaning, definitions and examples

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ascetic

[əˈsɛtɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious practices

A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. Ascetics may live in solitude or in monasteries, and they often follow a strict regimen of fasting and meditation.

Synonyms

hermit, monk, recluse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ascetic	Used to describe a person who practices severe self-discipline or abstains from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons. He lived an ascetic life, eating simple food and spending most of his time in meditation
hermit	Refers to a person who lives in solitude, often for spiritual or religious reasons, but not necessarily. Generally emphasizes the element of physical seclusion. After the tragedy, he became a hermit, living alone in the mountains
monk	Specifically describes a man who has dedicated his life to religious worship and typically lives in a community with other monks. The monk rose at dawn for prayer and spent his afternoons studying ancient texts
recluse	Describes a person who avoids interacting with others and prefers to live in isolation. It has a slightly negative connotation as it implies a withdrawal from society. She turned into a recluse after the end of her marriage, rarely leaving her home or speaking to others

Examples of usage

Many ascetics live in remote areas, away from the distractions of modern life.
The ascetic lifestyle requires great mental and physical strength.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

relating to asceticism

Characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence. Ascetic practices often involve fasting, meditation, and simplicity.

Synonyms

Spartan, austere, self-denying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ascetic	Used to describe someone who lives a life of strict self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often for spiritual reasons. He led an ascetic lifestyle, giving up all comforts and luxuries to focus on his spiritual growth. The monk's ascetic practices included fasting and long periods of meditation.
austere	Used to describe someone or something that is very simple and without comfort, decoration, or luxury. It can also mean stern or severe in manner. The room was furnished in an austere style, with only a bed, a table, and a chair. Her austere demeanor intimidated everyone at the office.
self-denying	Used to describe someone who refrains from personal pleasures or comforts, often for moral or religious reasons. The self-denying nun dedicated her life to helping others, living with minimal personal comforts. His self-denying nature meant that he always put others' needs before his own.
Spartan	Used to describe conditions or lifestyles that are very basic and lacking in luxury, often emphasizing strictness and discipline. It may carry a tone of admiration for the simplicity and toughness. The soldiers were trained in Spartan conditions, with minimal food and harsh living quarters. They chose a Spartan way of living, with few possessions and a focus on physical fitness.

Examples of usage

The ascetic lifestyle may seem extreme to those accustomed to material comforts.
His ascetic diet consisted mainly of vegetables and water.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word traces back to the Greek 'askesis', meaning exercise or practice, showing a link to self-discipline.
Ancient philosophers like Socrates and Diogenes practiced asceticism, valuing thought over material possessions.
In medieval times, hermits practiced asceticism, often retreating to nature to focus on spirituality away from society.

Religious Practices

Major religions such as Buddhism and Jainism promote asceticism as a way to achieve enlightenment and purification.
Christian ascetics, like the Desert Fathers, withdrew to deserts for prayer and devotion, renouncing worldly cares.
In Hinduism, asceticism is part of Yoga philosophy, emphasizing self-control and mental discipline.

Psychology

Studies show that periods of self-renunciation can lead to increased mindfulness and psychological resilience.
Ascetic practices can help individuals develop a greater sense of purpose by diminishing distractions from life's essentials.
Some psychologists suggest that practicing asceticism can help combat consumerism and improve life satisfaction through minimalism.

Cultural Impact

The ascetic lifestyle has influenced art, inspiring minimalist works that focus on simplicity and spiritual themes.
Films and books often portray ascetic characters to highlight struggles against temptation and the search for deeper meaning.
Modern movements like minimalism echo ascetic principles, encouraging people to let go of excess and focus on meaningful living.

Modern Interpretations

Contemporary asceticism can be seen in practices like digital detoxes, where individuals step away from technology to gain clarity.
Minimalist lifestyles, often adopted by urban dwellers, emphasize living with less, resonating with ancient ascetic principles.
Some fitness trends incorporate ascetic elements, promoting discipline and sacrifice as part of achieving physical and mental goals.

Translations

Translations of the word "ascetic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ascético

🇮🇳 संयासी

🇩🇪 asketisch

🇮🇩 asketis

🇺🇦 аскетичний

🇵🇱 ascetyczny

🇯🇵 禁欲的 (きんよくてき)

🇫🇷 ascétique

🇪🇸 ascético

🇹🇷 asketik

🇰🇷 금욕적인

🇸🇦 نسك

🇨🇿 asketický

🇸🇰 asketický

🇨🇳 苦行的 (kǔxíng de)

🇸🇮 asketičen

🇮🇸 meinlætismaður

🇰🇿 аскет

🇬🇪 ასკეტური

🇦🇿 asketik

🇲🇽 ascético

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,214, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15211 raped
15212 tithe
15213 simplistic
15214 ascetic
15215 catchment
15216 clamps
15217 intrigued
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