Monk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🙏
monk
[mʌŋk ]
Definitions
religious
A member of a religious community of men who typically live under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Synonyms
brother, friar, religious person.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| monk |
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.
|
| friar |
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.
|
| brother |
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.
|
| religious person |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- He decided to become a monk and dedicate his life to serving others.
- The monk spent his days in prayer and meditation.
- She sought guidance from the monk on her spiritual journey.
Buddhism
A member of a religious community practicing Buddhism and living according to the monastic rules.
Synonyms
Buddhist priest, lama, monastic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| monk |
General term for a male member of a religious community who has taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
|
| Buddhist priest |
Refers specifically to a religious leader within the Buddhist tradition. Suitable when discussing Buddhism or Buddhist practices.
|
| lama |
A title for a teacher of the Dharma in Tibetan Buddhism, often implying a higher status or rank.
|
| monastic |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- The Buddhist monk led a peaceful and simple life.
- She decided to become a monk after studying the teachings of Buddha.
informal
A person who is dedicated to a particular pursuit or lifestyle, often to the exclusion of others.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| monk |
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.
|
| devotee |
A devotee is someone who is very dedicated and loyal to a specific religion, person, or cause.
|
| enthusiast |
An enthusiast is someone who has a strong interest or passion for a particular activity or subject.
|
| fanatic |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- He was a monk when it came to his work, spending hours perfecting every detail.
- She became a monk of healthy living, focusing on exercise and nutrition.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the Greek word 'monachos', which means 'solitary'. It shows how early monks often lived alone.
- Monasticism began in the 3rd century AD in Egypt, where people wanted to dedicate their lives to God away from society.
- The Benedictine order, established by St. Benedict in the 6th century, set the foundation for Western monastic life, focusing on community and prayer.
World Religions
- Monks exist in various religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism, each with unique practices and purposes.
- Buddhist monks often take vows of silence and meditate to achieve enlightenment, which means understanding the true nature of life.
- Christian monks dedicate their lives to serving God through prayer, work, and study, often in a community setting.
Cultural Representation
- Monks are frequently depicted in movies and literature as wise and serene figures, often imparting philosophical lessons.
- In popular culture, the image of a monk often involves simple robes, prayer beads, or a contemplative lifestyle that emphasizes peace.
- Shaolin monks from China have gained fame for their martial arts skills, embodying a blend of physical discipline and spiritual focus.
Psychology
- Studies show that the practices monks engage in, like meditation, can significantly reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
- The disciplined lifestyle of monks can lead to increased focus and a sense of purpose, impacting emotional health positively.
- Mindfulness techniques used by monks have been adopted in modern psychology for therapy and stress management.
Education and Knowledge
- Many monasteries were ancient centers of learning, preserving texts and providing education during the Middle Ages.
- Monks often copied and illuminated manuscripts by hand, playing a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of literature.
- In addition to spirituality, monks have contributed to various fields such as agriculture, medicine, and philosophy through their studies and practices.
Origin of 'monk'
The word 'monk' originated from the Old English 'munuc', which is derived from the Late Latin 'monachus'. The term has been used to describe members of religious communities in various traditions, such as Christianity and Buddhism. Monks have historically played important roles in preserving knowledge, spirituality, and culture.