ascetic
UK: əˈsɛtɪk | US: əˈsɛtɪk
adj. characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence
n. a person who practices severe self-discipline, typically for religious or spiritual reasons
ascetic = ascet<to exercise> + ic<adjective suffix>
- ascet<to exercise> (from Greek askētēs, meaning "one who practices" or "monk," derived from askein, "to exercise" or "train")
- ic<adjective suffix> (from Latin -icus, forming adjectives)
Etymology Origin:
The word ascetic traces back to ancient Greek monastic traditions, where askētēs referred to individuals who rigorously trained their bodies and minds through discipline and denial, often for spiritual purification. The root askein originally meant physical or athletic training but evolved to emphasize moral and spiritual rigor. The suffix -ic later standardized it as an adjective in English, describing a lifestyle of austerity.
The ascetic monk lived in a bare cell with only a mat for sleeping.
Her ascetic diet excluded all luxuries, including sugar and spices.
Philosophers of the Stoic tradition often led ascetic lives to master their desires.
The artist’s ascetic workspace reflected his minimalist values.
Despite his wealth, he adopted an ascetic lifestyle to focus on enlightenment.