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Pilgrim: meaning, definitions and examples

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pilgrim

 

[ˈpɪl.ɡrɪm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious journey

A pilgrim is a person who travels to a sacred place for religious reasons.

Synonyms

devotee, peregrine, worshipper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pilgrim

Used when referring to someone who travels to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion.

  • During the festival, the city is filled with pilgrims heading to the temple.
  • The ancient path is often walked by pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment.
peregrine

Used primarily in literature or historical texts to describe someone who is traveling, usually for a long distance; this word is less common in modern usage.

  • The peregrine journeyed across lands unknown to find his homeland.
  • With a heart full of hope, the peregrine set off on an adventure.
worshipper

Refers to someone who participates in religious services or practices, focusing on the act of worship rather than the journey.

  • The worshippers knelt in silent prayer inside the church.
  • Every Sunday morning, the worshippers gather for the service.
devotee

Best suited for someone with profound dedication to a cause, person, or religious practice.

  • She is a devoted follower of the yoga guru.
  • The devotees gathered around the shrine to offer their prayers.

Examples of usage

  • The pilgrim traveled to Mecca for Hajj.
  • She embarked on a pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

In American history, a Pilgrim refers to one of the English settlers who founded the Plymouth Colony in 1620.

Synonyms

colonist, founder, settler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pilgrim

This term is used to describe someone who travels to a holy place for religious reasons. It has a historical connotation, often associated with people who journeyed to sacred sites.

  • Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel to Mecca.
  • The Pilgrims who came to America in the 17th century were seeking religious freedom.
settler

Refers to a person who moves to live in a new area, often in previously uninhabited or newly established regions. Like 'colonist', it can have negative connotations related to displacement of original inhabitants.

  • The early settlers faced many hardships in their new home.
  • Settlers migrated westward in search of land and opportunity.
colonist

Used for a person who settles in a new colony, particularly in the context of historical expansions and settlements. This term often has a negative connotation due to the impact on indigenous populations.

  • The colonists established a new settlement along the coast.
  • Colonists brought new diseases to the indigenous people.
founder

This term is used for someone who establishes an institution, city, or organization. It suggests a role of leadership and creation.

  • Steve Jobs was one of the founders of Apple.
  • The founder of the small town envisioned it becoming a bustling city.

Examples of usage

  • The Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving in 1621.
  • The Pilgrims faced many challenges in the New World.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'peregrinus', meaning 'foreigner' or 'traveler', indicating a journey into the unknown.
  • Early pilgrims often traveled on foot and faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather and rough terrains.
  • The most famous group known as pilgrims traveled on the Mayflower in 1620 to establish a new life in America.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have forms of pilgrimage, such as the Hajj in Islam, where millions travel to Mecca each year.
  • In many religions, pilgrimages are seen as a way to seek spiritual blessings or forgiveness.
  • Pilgrims often gather at specific festivals that celebrate their faith, such as the Kumbh Mela in India, which attracts millions.

Literature

  • John Bunyan's 'The Pilgrim's Progress' is a famous work that uses a journey as a metaphor for the Christian experience.
  • Pilgrimage narratives appear in many classical texts and folklore, often highlighting personal transformation through travel.
  • In medieval literature, stories of pilgrimages often included tales of encounters with mystical beings or divine interventions.

Modern Pilgrimages

  • Today, routes like the Camino de Santiago in Spain attract thousands of modern pilgrims seeking reflection and adventure.
  • Pilgrimages are now often associated with personal growth and seeking a deeper connection to spirituality amid life's distractions.
  • Many organizations today promote wellness and self-discovery through group pilgrimages across different cultures.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that embarking on a pilgrimage can have positive effects on mental health, providing stress relief and improved well-being.
  • Pilgrimages allow for introspection and connection to oneself, often resulting in a sense of purpose or clarity.
  • The communal aspect of modern pilgrimages helps build social connections, alleviating feelings of loneliness or isolation.

Translations

Translations of the word "pilgrim" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peregrino

🇮🇳 तीर्थयात्री

🇩🇪 Pilger

🇮🇩 peziarah

🇺🇦 паломник

🇵🇱 pielgrzym

🇯🇵 巡礼者 (じゅんれいしゃ)

🇫🇷 pèlerin

🇪🇸 peregrino

🇹🇷 hacık

🇰🇷 순례자 (sunryeja)

🇸🇦 حاج

🇨🇿 poutník

🇸🇰 pútnik

🇨🇳 朝圣者 (cháoshèng zhě)

🇸🇮 romar

🇮🇸 pílagrímur

🇰🇿 қажы

🇬🇪 მომლოცველი

🇦🇿 ziyarətçi

🇲🇽 peregrino

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,935, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.