Monastic: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to things related to monks or monasteries; often used to describe lifestyles or settings that are simple, disciplined, and secluded.

• He leads a monastic life, filled with routine and meditation.
• The retreat offered a monastic environment for reflection and peace.

Describes behavior or characteristics reminiscent of a monk, such as simplicity, discipline, and dedication. It can be used in a more informal or metaphorical sense.

• His dedication to his studies was truly monk-like.
• She showed a monk-like patience and serenity, no matter the circumstances.

Refers to the religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pursuits to fully devote oneself to spiritual work, often within a monastery.

• Monasticism has a rich history in many religions around the world.
• Her studies in monasticism revealed the many sacrifices made by monks and nuns.

Describes a life of seclusion, typically within a monastery. It can also be used metaphorically for living in isolation from the outside world.

• She lived a cloistered life in the convent, cut off from modern society.
• The cloistered garden provided a quiet escape from the bustling city.

This term refers to anything related to monastic life, usually associated with monks or nuns living under religious vows. It can describe practices, buildings, or lifestyles.

• The monastic life requires a deep commitment to prayer and meditation.
• They visited a monastic community for a spiritual retreat.

Use this word to describe a male member of a religious community who lives under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, often in a monastery.

• The monk spent most of his days in silent meditation.
• Benedictine monks dedicate their lives to work and prayer.

This term is used to describe a female member of a religious community living under vows, similar to monks. Nuns often live in convents.

• Sister Mary is a nun who has taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
• The convent was home to a community of nuns who devoted their lives to teaching.

This term is specifically used to describe a member of certain religious orders within the Catholic Church, such as the Franciscans or Dominicans. Friars typically live and work within the community, rather than in a monastery.

• The friar dedicated his life to helping the poor.
• Friars in the medieval period played a significant role in education.