Postulant: meaning, definitions and examples

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postulant

[ˈpɒstjʊlənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

job application

A person who applies for a job or position, especially a candidate seeking admission into a religious order.

Synonyms

applicant, aspirant, candidate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
postulant	Typically used in the context of someone seeking to join a religious order or community. It can also refer to someone who is a novice or probationer in this setting. She spent a year as a postulant before taking her vows The postulant was nervous about making a good impression on the other nuns
applicant	Commonly used in general situations where someone applies for a job, program, or opportunity. The company received over 1000 applications, but only a few applicants were selected for interviews Every applicant must fill out the form properly to be considered
candidate	Usually refers to someone being considered for a specific role or position, often through a selection process like a job interview or election. There are five candidates running for the position of mayor The hiring manager decided to extend an offer to the most promising candidate
aspirant	Often used to describe someone with a strong ambition or desire to achieve a particular role, honor, or position, especially in a competitive setting. He is an aspirant for the undergraduate scholarship The political aspirants debated their policies vigorously

Examples of usage

The postulant submitted her resume for the open position at the company.
He decided to become a postulant at the monastery.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

religious context

A person who is seeking to become a member of a religious community and is undergoing a period of training and initiation.

Synonyms

aspirant, candidate, novice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
postulant	Used primarily in religious or spiritual contexts, often referring to someone who is a candidate to join a religious order. She decided to become a postulant at the local convent. As a postulant, he devoted much of his time to prayer and reflection.
novice	Typically used to describe someone who is new to a field, activity, or profession and lacks experience. As a novice singer, she was nervous for her first performance. The computer course is designed for novices with no prior experience.
aspirant	Commonly used in formal contexts to describe someone aspiring to a particular position, role, or honor. The young aspirant worked hard to gain admission to the prestigious university. As an aspirant politician, she spent a great deal of time networking and campaigning.
candidate	Suitable for a general context when referring to someone being considered for a role, position, or award. He is a strong candidate for the job due to his extensive experience. The committee will review each candidate's qualifications before making a decision.

Examples of usage

The postulant spent a year in the monastery before taking her final vows.
He was accepted as a postulant at the convent.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'postulantem,' which means 'to demand' or 'to request.'
In medieval times, postulants were often candidates preparing for a monastic life, highlighting their role in religious orders.

Religious Significance

In many religious communities, postulants undergo a period of discernment, where they learn about the community's values and practices.
This initial stage is critical as it allows individuals to understand their calling and whether they fit into the lifestyle of the community.

Cultural Context

Various cultures have unique traditions for welcoming postulants, often involving rituals or special ceremonies.
In some Catholic orders, after being a postulant, individuals may take a formal vow of obedience, further solidifying their commitment.

Comparison in Other Fields

In academia, a postulant could be likened to a candidate applying for a program or job, preparing for acceptance into a new role.
Similar to a postulant, an apprentice in trades learns from skilled craftsmen before fully committing to the field.

Literature and Media

Postulants have been depicted in various novels, often symbolizing devotion but also personal struggle as they navigate faith and choice.
Films exploring religious themes sometimes feature postulants as characters, emphasizing their journey towards self-discovery and commitment.

Translations

Translations of the word "postulant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 candidato

🇮🇳 उम्मीदवार

🇩🇪 Bewerber

🇮🇩 calon

🇺🇦 кандидат

🇵🇱 kandydat

🇯🇵 志願者

🇫🇷 candidat

🇪🇸 postulante

🇹🇷 aday

🇰🇷 지원자

🇸🇦 مرشح

🇨🇿 uchazeč

🇸🇰 uchádzač

🇨🇳 候选人

🇸🇮 kandidat

🇮🇸 umsækjandi

🇰🇿 үміткер

🇬🇪 კანდიდატი

🇦🇿 namizəd

🇲🇽 postulante

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,777, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
37774 zestful
37775 superciliously
37776 invincibly
37777 postulant
37778 trivium
37779 hygienically
37780 forsythia
...