Word
disciple
Phoneticsdis·ci·ple, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈsaɪpəɫ/
UK/dɪsˈaɪpəl/
Definitions
01religious follower
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Religion
n. one of the original followers of Jesus Christ, or a person who follows a religious leader.
n. a follower of Jesus Christ, especially one of the twelve apostles, or an adherent to any religious leader's teachings.
“The Bible tells stories about the twelve disciples who traveled with Jesus.”
“The sermon focused on the devotion of the early disciples and their commitment to spreading the gospel despite significant persecution.”
Usage
Often capitalized as 'Disciple' when referring specifically to the biblical figures.
02student of a philosophy
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. someone who follows the ideas and teachings of a famous person or a specific way of thinking.
n. an active follower or adherent of a particular person, school of thought, or philosophy.
“As a young architect, he was a devoted disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright.”
“Though he never met the philosopher in person, he remained a lifelong disciple of the school of Stoicism.”
Teaching tip
In modern secular contexts, this word suggests a very high level of devotion, almost like a religious commitment.
03to teach or convert
C2 · Proficiency Religion Formal · Technical
v. to teach someone to follow a specific set of beliefs or a leader.
v. to train, educate, or convert someone into a follower of a specific doctrine or leader.
“The organization aims to disciple new members in the traditions of the church.”
“The ministry's primary mission was to disciple young converts through a rigorous three-year program of study and service.”
Usage
This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.
Etymology
From Middle English disciple, discipul, from Old English discipul (“disciple, scholar”), from Latin discipulus (“pupil, learner”). Later influenced or superseded in Middle English by Old French deciple.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/disciple