Monkish: meaning, definitions and examples

The word 'monkish' originates from the Middle English term 'monke,' which itself comes from the Old English 'munuc,' derived from the Latin 'monachus,' meaning 'monk.' The Latin term has roots in the Greek word 'monachos,' which also means 'monk.' The term has evolved over the centuries to describe not only the physical attributes of monks but also their lifestyle and values. In the early usages, it was mostly related to the men who withdrew from society to live a life of devotion and prayer. Over time, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, the term started to encompass a broader sense of asceticism and reclusiveness, describing anyone who adopts a life of simplicity and austerity, similar to that of traditional monks. Monkish has increasingly been used in literature and religious discourse to critique or describe excessive piety or withdrawal from the pleasures of the world.

At rank #28,733, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

• ...
• 28730 gouged
• 28731 crape
• 28732 indigence
• 28733 monkish
• 28734 catapulted
• 28735 sentimentalism
• 28736 haiku
• ...