noun Uncommon

friar

FREYE-uh

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Friar (noun) means a man belonging to certain Christian religious orders, such as the Franciscans or Dominicans, who often lives among the public rather than in seclusion. Example: “The friar walked into town to beg for food and preach to the villagers.”

noun

A man belonging to certain Christian religious orders, such as the Franciscans or Dominicans, who often lives among the public rather than in seclusion.

"The friar walked into town to beg for food and preach to the villagers."

How to use friar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA member of a Christian religious order, similar to a monk but typically more involved in everyday community life.

Common mistake

A friar isn't exactly the same as a monk — monks usually live apart from society in a monastery, while friars traditionally travel and work among ordinary people.

Easily confused with

monk →

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: friars

Test yourself on “friar” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ walked into town to beg for food and preach to the villagers.

Etymology

From Old French frere, "brother," ultimately from Latin frater.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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mendicant brother

Antonyms

nun

Related words

brother daughter sister buddy bro monk nun Clare

Rhymes for friar

liar briar caviar peculiar familiar unfamiliar

See all rhymes for friar →

Frequently asked questions

What does “friar” mean?

The word “friar” means a man belonging to certain Christian religious orders, such as the Franciscans or Dominicans, who often lives among the public rather than in seclusion. In plain terms, a member of a Christian religious order, similar to a monk but typically more involved in everyday community life.

How do you pronounce “friar”?

“Friar” is pronounced FREYE-uh (/ˈfɹaɪɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “friar” in a sentence?

Here is “friar” used in a sentence: “The friar walked into town to beg for food and preach to the villagers.”

What part of speech is “friar”?

“Friar” is a noun.

Where does the word “friar” come from?

The word “friar” comes from Latin. From Old French frere, "brother," ultimately from Latin frater.

Is “friar” a common word?

“Friar” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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