acolyte
UK: ˈækəlaɪt | US: ˈækəlaɪt
n. a person assisting a priest in religious ceremonies
n. a devoted follower or attendant
acolyte = aco<follow> + lyte<noun suffix>
- aco<follow> (from Greek akolouthos, meaning "follower" or "attendant")
- lyte<noun suffix> (derived from Greek -lithos or -lytos, often used to form agent nouns)
Etymology Origin:
The word "acolyte" traces back to Greek akolouthos ("follower"), combining a- (intensive prefix) + keleuthos ("path"). It entered Late Latin as acolythus, referring to a church attendant, and later passed into Old French (acolite) before reaching English. The term originally described a clerical role but expanded metaphorically to denote any loyal assistant or adherent.
The young acolyte carried the candle during the procession.
As an acolyte of the famous scientist, she absorbed his methods meticulously.
Medieval manuscripts often depict acolytes assisting bishops.
He served as an acolyte in the temple for years before becoming a priest.
The CEO’s acolytes fiercely defended his controversial policies.