Word
monastic
Phoneticsmonas·tic
US/məˈnæstɪk/
UK/mənˈɑːstɪk/
Definition
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.
Examples
“He lives a monastic life in a small cabin.”
“During the final weeks of his research, he adopted a monastic routine, waking at dawn and avoiding all social distractions.”
“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.”
Examples
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'.
Real-World Examples
“They seem like monastic institutions, fixated on their own seasons and periods, and on “subjects” handed down from the past.” “A foundational feature of Theravada Buddhism is the relationship between monastics and the lay people.” Etymology
From Middle French monastique, from Late Latin monasticus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/monastic