Monk: meaning, definitions and examples

A monk is often used to refer to a member of a male religious community, especially in Buddhism or Christianity, who lives a life of prayer, meditation, and sometimes communal living.

• He decided to become a monk to dedicate his life to spiritual growth
• The Buddhist monk led the meditation session

A friar is specifically associated with certain Christian orders, such as the Franciscans and Dominicans. Friars often live in larger communities and engage actively in community service and preaching outside their monasteries.

• The friar visited the town to help the poor and preach the gospel
• Friars are often seen engaging in community work

In a religious context, a brother is commonly used in Christian communities to address or refer to a male member of a religious order who has not been ordained as a priest. It is also used more generally to refer to fellow believers.

• Brother John will be leading the prayer group today
• The brothers in the monastery wake up at dawn for prayers

This is a broad term that can refer to anyone who practices a religion devoutly. It does not specify any particular role or community affiliation.

• A religious person might attend services regularly and follow the teachings closely
• She is a deeply religious person, always volunteering at the church

General term for a male member of a religious community who has taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

• The monk spent his days in meditation and prayer

Refers specifically to a religious leader within the Buddhist tradition. Suitable when discussing Buddhism or Buddhist practices.

• The Buddhist priest conducted the ceremony according to ancient traditions

A title for a teacher of the Dharma in Tibetan Buddhism, often implying a higher status or rank.

• The lama gave a lecture on the principles of compassion and wisdom

Can refer to either male or female members of a religious order who live under monastic rules. Also used to describe lifestyles or places related to the way of life of such members.

• The monastic community lives in a strict routine of work and prayer

A monk is a man who lives in a religious community, often isolated from the outside world, and dedicates his life to prayer and religious service.

• The monk spent his days in contemplation and prayer.
• The monastery is home to several monks who have taken vows of poverty.

A devotee is someone who is very dedicated and loyal to a specific religion, person, or cause.

• She is a devoted yoga practitioner and a devotee of spiritual disciplines.
• The temple was filled with devotees celebrating the festival.

An enthusiast is someone who has a strong interest or passion for a particular activity or subject.

• He is a car enthusiast and spends weekends working on his classic car.
• She is an enthusiast of classical music and attends every concert in town.

A fanatic is someone who is excessively passionate and extreme about a belief, often to the point of being unreasonable or irrational. This term typically has a negative connotation.

• He was a soccer fanatic who never missed a game, no matter the circumstances.
• Some political fanatics can be very aggressive in pushing their views.