Definition

1. Noun:
   • A religious way of life: "Monasticism" refers to the practice of living a spiritual life apart from the world, typically in a community (a monastery or convent) under specific religious rules.
   • A system of ascetic discipline: It is characterized by vows of celibacy (not marrying), poverty (owning little or nothing), and obedience (submitting to religious authority).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The history of Christian monasticism dates back to the early centuries of the Church.
  • He studied the principles of Buddhist monasticism during his travels in Asia.

Advanced Usage

• "to embrace monasticism": to choose or enter into the monastic life.
  • After a profound spiritual experience, she decided to embrace monasticism.
• "the rise of monasticism": the historical development or spread of monastic practices.
  • The lecture focused on the rise of monasticism in medieval Europe.

Variants and Related Words

• Monastic (adj): Relating to monks, nuns, or monasticism.
  • They lead a very monastic life of prayer and simplicity.
• Monastic (n): A monk or a nun.
  • The monastic spent hours in meditation each day.
• Monastery (n): A building or community where monks live.
• Convent (n): A building or community where nuns live.

Synonyms

• Asceticism: Severe self-discipline and avoidance of indulgence, often for religious reasons.
• Cenobitic life: Monastic life lived in a community, as opposed to living alone (eremitic life).

Related Phrases

• Monastic order: A religious community or society living under a specific rule (e.g., the Benedictine Order).
  • He joined a strict monastic order.

Noun

1. asceticism as a form of religious life; usually conducted in a community under a common rule and characterized by celibacy and poverty and obedience