noun
fakir
fuh-KEER
Fakir (noun) means a Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic who lives by begging and owns little or no property. Example: “The fakir sat by the roadside, having given up all worldly possessions.”
noun
1
A Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic who lives by begging and owns little or no property.
"The fakir sat by the roadside, having given up all worldly possessions."
2
A wandering performer known for feats of endurance, once associated with such ascetics.
"The fakir amazed the crowd by lying on a bed of nails."
How to use fakir
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA religious beggar or ascetic, traditionally associated with feats of physical endurance.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "faker" — a fakir is a religious ascetic, while a faker is simply someone who pretends or deceives.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- fakirs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ sat by the roadside, having given up all worldly possessions.
Etymology
Borrowed from Arabic faqīr, meaning "poor man."
Synonyms
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faqir
fakeer
faquir
Frequently asked questions
What does “fakir” mean?
The word “fakir” means a Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic who lives by begging and owns little or no property. In plain terms, a religious beggar or ascetic, traditionally associated with feats of physical endurance.
How do you pronounce “fakir”?
“Fakir” is pronounced fuh-KEER (/fəˈkiɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fakir” in a sentence?
Here is “fakir” used in a sentence: “The fakir sat by the roadside, having given up all worldly possessions.”
What part of speech is “fakir”?
“Fakir” is a noun.
Where does the word “fakir” come from?
The word “fakir” comes from Arabic. Borrowed from Arabic faqīr, meaning "poor man.".
How many meanings does “fakir” have?
“Fakir” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic who lives by begging and owns little or no property.
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