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ascetic

Adjective

IPA /əˈsetɪk/

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Meaning in plain English

Following a simple, strict way of life that avoids physical comforts and pleasures, often for religious reasons.

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Pronunciation

ascetic/əˈsetɪk/

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Many comforts and luxuries are available
A person chooses only basic necessities

An ascetic lifestyle deliberately avoids physical comforts and pleasures.

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The book describes an ascetic life with plain food and few possessions.
The students compared the ascetic practices of two religious communities.

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The book describes an ________ life with plain food and few possessions.

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ascetic — Following a simple, strict way of life that avoids physical comforts and pleasures, often for religious reasons.

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Following a simple, strict way of life that avoids physical comforts and pleasures, often for religious reasons.

Compare: The book describes an ascetic life with plain food and few possessions.

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Word origin

From Greek asketikos, related to askein, meaning to exercise or train, through medieval Latin.

Did you know?

Ascetic can also be a noun for a person who lives this way.

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