adj
ascetic
uh-SEH-tihk
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.”
adj
1
Practicing strict self-discipline and avoiding physical comforts or pleasures, often for spiritual reasons.
"The monks lived an ascetic life of fasting and silence."
"His ascetic diet ruled out sugar, alcohol, and meat entirely."
noun
1
A person who deliberately lives simply and denies themselves comfort or pleasure, typically for religious or philosophical reasons.
"The old hermit was known locally as an ascetic who owned almost nothing."
How to use ascetic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) marked by deliberate self-denial — few possessions, few comforts, strict discipline.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
ascetic lifestyle
ascetic monk
ascetic discipline
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Word forms
- Plural
- ascetics
- Comparative
- more ascetic
- Superlative
- most ascetic
Fill the gap
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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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Related words
Rhymes for ascetic
emetic
poetic
genetic
heretic
kinetic
diuretic
frenetic
magnetic
cosmetic
athletic
diabetic
pathetic
See all 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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