Friar - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious figure

A friar is a member of a religious order, usually Catholic, who lives a communal life in a monastery or friary. Friars take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and they often work in the community, providing services to the poor and needy.

Synonyms

brother, cleric, monk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
friar	A friar is a member of a religious order who typically lives and works within society, often involved in teaching, preaching, and charitable activities. The friar helped the community by organizing food drives and teaching children at the local school
monk	A monk is a member of a religious community who generally leads a life of seclusion, prayer, and contemplation. Monks live in monasteries and usually take vows of silence and poverty. The monk spent his days in quiet reflection and prayer, rarely leaving the monastery’s peaceful gardens
brother	This term is often used to refer to a male member of a religious community. It emphasizes the sense of fellowship and equality among the members. Brother Michael is in charge of the monastery’s kitchen and often cooks meals for the other monks
cleric	A cleric is a broader term used for any member of the clergy, including priests, ministers, and religious leaders. This term is more formal and can be used in various religious contexts. The cleric delivered a moving sermon on the importance of compassion and understanding

Examples of usage

The friar spent his days ministering to the sick and homeless.
Many friars dedicate their lives to serving others in need.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'friar' comes from the Latin word 'frater', meaning 'brother'.
In medieval Europe, friars were often seen as a bridge between the church and everyday people, traveling to spread religious teachings.
Dominican and Franciscan friars are two of the most notable groups, founded in the 13th century, focusing on preaching and helping the poor.

Literature

Friars often appear in Shakespeare's works, such as the character of Friar Laurence in 'Romeo and Juliet', who plays a key role in the tragic tale.
In Geoffrey Chaucer’s 'The Canterbury Tales', a Friar is depicted as a charming yet morally questionable character, showcasing diversity in portrayals.

Pop Culture

Friars have been referenced in various films and television shows, often portrayed as wise, kindly figures or comedic relief.
In the popular movie 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves', Friar Tuck is a humorous character who supports Robin Hood's cause.

Religion

Friars aim to live a life of poverty and simplicity, distinguishing themselves from other religious leaders who might have wealth.
They often engage in social services, education, and community outreach, emphasizing their commitment to helping the needy.

Geographical Influence

Many friars played significant roles in the establishment of some of the earliest universities in Europe, such as the University of Paris.
In various countries, friars helped introduce agriculture, education, and health care among indigenous populations during colonization.

Origin of 'friar'

The word 'friar' comes from the Old French 'frere' meaning 'brother', which in turn comes from the Latin 'frater'. Friars have been an important part of the Catholic Church since the Middle Ages, with orders such as the Franciscans and Dominicans playing significant roles in history.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,979, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17976 sedition
17977 grapefruit
17978 analgesic
17979 friar
17980 portraying
17981 rebuked
17982 drone
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Friar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations