Hermit - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

living alone

A hermit is a person who lives alone, often far away from society, for religious or spiritual reasons. Hermits typically seek solitude to focus on prayer, meditation, or self-reflection. They lead a simple and austere lifestyle, detached from material possessions and worldly distractions.

Synonyms

ascetic, recluse, solitary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hermit	Used to describe someone who lives in seclusion from society, often for spiritual reasons or personal choice. After the tragic loss of his family, he became a hermit, living in the mountains. The hermit rarely ventured into town, preferring the quiet solitude of his forest cabin.
recluse	Refers to someone who avoids social interaction and lives in solitude, often implying a reclusive lifestyle by choice or due to introversion. The famous author was a recluse, rarely making public appearances. He lived as a recluse in a small, remote village, far from any human contact.
solitary	Can refer to someone who spends a lot of time alone, but does not necessarily imply complete withdrawal from society. Often has a neutral or positive connotation. She enjoys solitary walks in the park, finding them peaceful and relaxing. He found relief in his solitary hobbies, like reading and painting.
ascetic	Describes someone who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. The monk led an ascetic life, dedicating himself to meditation and fasting. Her ascetic lifestyle involved waking up at dawn and eating only simple meals.

Examples of usage

The hermit spent years in the mountains, seeking enlightenment through meditation.
Legend has it that the wise old hermit possesses great knowledge of the natural world.

Interesting Facts

History

Throughout history, various cultures have celebrated hermits as wise figures or spiritual leaders, such as the desert ascetics in early Christianity.
Famous hermits like Henry David Thoreau in the 19th century exemplified a return to nature and self-sufficiency.

Psychology

Studies suggest that voluntary solitude can lead to increased creativity and self-reflection, as one has time to think deeply.
Some people find that spending time alone helps them recharge and process their thoughts, contrasting with the constantly social lifestyles of many.

Literature

In literature, hermits often represent a quest for knowledge or a deeper understanding of oneself, as seen in works like 'Walden' by Thoreau.
Many stories feature hermits as wise advisers or mentors, imparting lessons from their time spent in solitude.

Pop Culture

The idea of a hermit has appeared in films and shows, such as the character of the 'Unabomber' in media portrayals, highlighting extreme solitude.
Games like 'The Legend of Zelda' feature hermit-like characters who offer wisdom and items to those who seek them out.

Origin of 'hermit'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Greek 'eremites', meaning 'of the desert', reflecting the solitude many seek in isolation.
In medieval times, hermits often lived in seclusion to focus on spirituality and prayer.

The word 'hermit' originated from the Greek 'erēmitēs,' meaning 'one who lives in the desert.' In ancient times, hermits were revered for their ascetic lifestyle and dedication to spiritual pursuits. The concept of hermits can be traced back to various religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,744, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15741 blunder
15742 rationalization
15743 condensate
15744 hermit
15745 discerning
15746 strictest
15747 provisionally
...

Hermit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations