Proselyte: meaning, definitions and examples

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proselyte

 

[ ˈprɒs.ə.laɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religion conversion

A proselyte is a person who has converted from one opinion, religion, or belief to another. In religious contexts, it typically refers to someone who has adopted a new faith or belief system. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any individual who is newly adopted into a community or ideology.

Synonyms

adherent, convert, disciple, follower

Examples of usage

  • The pastor welcomed the new proselytes into the congregation.
  • He was once a skeptic but became a proselyte of the new movement.
  • The community has a welcoming approach to all proselytes.
  • As a proselyte, she began to learn the teachings of her new faith.

Translations

Translations of the word "proselyte" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prosélito

🇮🇳 धर्मान्तरित

🇩🇪 Proselyt

🇮🇩 penganut baru

🇺🇦 прозеліти

🇵🇱 prozelita

🇯🇵 改宗者

🇫🇷 prosélyte

🇪🇸 prosélito

🇹🇷 dönüşen

🇰🇷 개종자

🇸🇦 معتنق

🇨🇿 prozelita

🇸🇰 prozelita

🇨🇳 皈依者

🇸🇮 prozelit

🇮🇸 trúskipti

🇰🇿 дінін ауыстырған

🇬🇪 კონვერტი

🇦🇿 proselyut

🇲🇽 prosélito

Word origin

The word 'proselyte' originated from the Greek term 'proselytos', which means 'stranger' or 'foreigner'. This term was used in ancient times to describe someone who was a newcomer, particularly one who had come to adhere to a new religion or culture. In the context of Judaism, it referred to a convert to the faith, specifically someone who was not originally born into the Jewish community but who chose to embrace its teachings and practices. Over time, the usage of the word expanded to encompass conversions to various religions and belief systems. The idea of proselytism, which is the act of trying to convert people to one’s faith, emerged alongside this terminology. As a result, 'proselyte' has come to carry both positive connotations of inclusion and community, as well as negative connotations related to aggressive or unwelcome attempts at conversion.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,552 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.