ascetic
Ascetic (adj) means practicing strict self-discipline and avoiding physical comforts or pleasures, often for spiritual reasons. Example: “The monks lived an ascetic life of fasting and silence.”
How to Use Ascetic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) marked by deliberate self-denial — few possessions, few comforts, strict discipline.
Word Forms
more ascetic comparative, ascetics plural, most ascetic superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The monks lived an _____ life of fasting and silence.
Etymology
From Greek askētikos, "given to exercise or training," from askein ("to exercise, train") — originally describing the rigorous training of an athlete before it came to mean spiritual self-discipline.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ascetic
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “ascetic” mean?
The word “ascetic” means practicing strict self-discipline and avoiding physical comforts or pleasures, often for spiritual reasons. In plain terms, someone (or something) marked by deliberate self-denial — few possessions, few comforts, strict discipline.
How do you pronounce “ascetic”?
“Ascetic” is pronounced uh-SEH-tihk (/əˈsɛ.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “ascetic” in a sentence?
Here is “ascetic” used in a sentence: “The monks lived an ascetic life of fasting and silence.”
What part of speech is “ascetic”?
Depending on how it is used, “ascetic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “ascetic” come from?
The word “ascetic” comes from Greek. From Greek askētikos, "given to exercise or training," from askein ("to exercise, train") — originally describing the rigorous training of an athlete before it came to mean spiritual self-discipline.
How many meanings does “ascetic” have?
“Ascetic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: practicing strict self-discipline and avoiding physical comforts or pleasures, often for spiritual reasons.
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