English Reference
Adjective

monastic

adj.
C1 Advanced US /məˈnæstɪk/ UK /mənˈɑːstɪk/ monas·tic UK spelling monastics

adj.relating to monks or nuns and their quiet, simple way of living. You use this to describe a life that is very plain and disciplined, often without many comforts.

adj.relating to or characteristic of monks or nuns, or their way of life. Often describes a lifestyle marked by austerity, seclusion, and strict self-discipline.


SIMPLE

He lives a monastic life in a small cabin.

CONTEXTUAL

During the final weeks of his research, he adopted a monastic routine, waking at dawn and avoiding all social distractions.

COMPLEX

The architect's design was praised for its monastic simplicity, using raw concrete and natural light to create a space that felt both modern and spiritually quiet.

Usage

Often used figuratively to describe a secular life of extreme simplicity or intense focus. Frequently appears after linking verbs like 'is' or 'seems'.

They seem like monastic institutions, fixated on their own seasons and periods, and on “subjects” handed down from the past.

The Guardian· 4 Sept 2026

A foundational feature of Theravada Buddhism is the relationship between monastics and the lay people.

The Conversation· 24 Aug 2026

From Middle French monastique, from Late Latin monasticus.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-lat monasticus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated