ASCETIC

ascetic, ascetical, austere, spartan

(adjective) practicing great self-denial; “Be systematically ascetic...do...something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it”- William James; “a desert nomad’s austere life”; “a spartan diet”; “a spartan existence”

ascetic, ascetical

(adjective) pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline; “ascetic practices”

abstainer, ascetic

(noun) someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

ascetic (comparative more ascetic, superlative most ascetic)

Of or relating to ascetics

Characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.

Synonyms

• (of or pertaining to ascetics): ascetical

• (characterised by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline): abstinent, ascetical

Noun

ascetic (plural ascetics)

One who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.

Anagrams

• Cestica, accites, siccate

Source: Wiktionary


As*cet"ic a. Etym: [Gr.

Definition: Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere; severe. The stern ascetic rigor of the Temple discipline. Sir W. Scott.

As*cet"ic, n.

Definition: In the early church, one who devoted himself to a solitary and contemplative life, characterized by devotion, extreme self-denial, and self-mortification; a hermit; a recluse; hence, one who practices extreme rigor and self-denial in religious things. I am far from commending those ascetics that take up their quarters in deserts. Norris. Ascetic theology, the science which treats of the practice of the theological and moral virtues, and the counsels of perfection. Am. Cyc.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

13 June 2025

AIRPLANE

(noun) an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets; “the flight was delayed due to trouble with the airplane”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.

coffee icon