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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 notes

In 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

Word forms

fakirs plural

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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."

Origin: Arabic

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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