Monks

Individuals who live a religious life within monastic communities.

monk monks

Monks are individuals who have chosen to live a religious life dedicated to spiritual practices, often within monastic communities. They typically follow specific rules or traditions associated with their faith and may engage in activities such as prayer, meditation, study, and service.

Pronunciation

/mʌŋks/

Etymology

From Old English mūnnic, from Latin mūnikus, meaning 'monk,' originally referring to a religious person living in a monastery.

Explain Like I’m 5

Monks are people who choose to live a simple, religious life in communities called monasteries or abbeys, often dedicating themselves to prayer and service.

Fun Facts

Some monks take vows of silence
Monasteries have historically preserved ancient texts and knowledge
Some monastic orders focus on contemplative prayer

FAQ

What is a monastery? It's a place where monks live and work together
What do monks do? They often pray, study religious texts, and perform manual labor
Are all monks the same? No, different religions have different types of monastic traditions

Synonyms — Similar or Related Terms

ascetics religious devotees

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

religious figures spiritual practitioners

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

Buddhist monks Christian monks Hindu monks

Meronyms — Parts or Components

shaving tonsure robes prayer beads

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

monastery religious order

Indexes

religious figure religious tradition spiritual practice

Built by Tim Jones