monastic

[muh-nas-tik]

adjective

1. of or relating to monasteries.

   a monastic library.

2. of, relating to, or characteristic of monks or nuns, their manner of life, or their religious obligations.

   monastic vows.

3. of, relating to, or characteristic of a secluded, dedicated, or austere manner of living.

noun

1. a member of a monastic community or order, especially a monk.

monastic

/ məˈnæstɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to monasteries or monks, nuns, etc

2. resembling this sort of life; reclusive

noun

1. a person who is committed to this way of life, esp a monk

Other Word Forms

• monastically adverb
• nonmonastic adjective
• nonmonastically adverb
• pseudomonastic adjective
• pseudomonastical adjective
• pseudomonastically adverb
• semimonastic adjective
• unmonastic adjective
• unmonastically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of monastic¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English monastik, from Middle French monastique or directly from Late Latin monasticus, from Late Greek monastikós, equivalent to monas- (derivative of monázein “to be alone, live alone”) + -ikos adjective suffix, with -t- by analogy with derivatives of agent nouns in -tēs; mon-, -ic: athlete )

Example Sentences

At age 24, Laxe moved to Tangier, Morocco, where he would live for 12 years at a monastic remove from the glamour of the movies, collaborating with local children on his films.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a reminder of centuries of tradition, monastic practices, and skilled farmers shading tea fields by hand.

From Salon

The ordination certificate is proof of someone's acceptance into the monastic community.

From BBC

The scandal has prompted the Sangha Supreme Council - the governing body for Thai Buddhism - to say it will form a special committee to review monastic regulations.

From BBC

Then there’s Alton Brown’s “Burger of the Gods,” which is somehow even simpler — almost monastic in its restraint.

From Salon

Related Words

• ascetic 
• austere 
• contemplative 
• secluded 
• solitary