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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

disciple

dih-SEYE-puhl

Disciple (noun) means someone who follows and learns from a teacher or leader, especially a religious or philosophical one. Example: “The twelve disciples travelled with Jesus and spread his teachings.”

noun
1
Someone who follows and learns from a teacher or leader, especially a religious or philosophical one.
"The twelve disciples travelled with Jesus and spread his teachings."
"She became a disciple of the guru after years of reading his books."
verb
1
To teach and guide someone as a follower.
"The older members disciple newer converts one-on-one."

How to use disciple

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA follower who learns from and looks up to a teacher or leader.

Common mistake

Usually capitalized when referring to the twelve followers of Jesus specifically; lowercase for general followers of any idea or person.

Common pairings
a disciple of devoted disciple disciple someone in the faith

Word forms

discipled past tense, disciples plural, disciples singular

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The twelve _____ travelled with Jesus and spread his teachings.

Etymology

From Latin discipulus, "pupil, learner," via Old English and Old French — the same root that gives us "discipline."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for disciple

See all rhymes for disciple →

Frequently asked questions

What does “disciple” mean?

The word “disciple” means someone who follows and learns from a teacher or leader, especially a religious or philosophical one. In plain terms, a follower who learns from and looks up to a teacher or leader.

How do you pronounce “disciple”?

“Disciple” is pronounced dih-SEYE-puhl (/dɪˈsaɪ.pəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “disciple” in a sentence?

Here is “disciple” used in a sentence: “The twelve disciples travelled with Jesus and spread his teachings.”

What is another word for “disciple”?

Words with a similar meaning to “disciple” include student.

What part of speech is “disciple”?

Depending on how it is used, “disciple” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “disciple” come from?

The word “disciple” comes from Latin. From Latin discipulus, "pupil, learner," via Old English and Old French — the same root that gives us "discipline.".

Is “disciple” a common word?

“Disciple” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “disciple” have?

“Disciple” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who follows and learns from a teacher or leader, especially a religious or philosophical one.

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