disciple
UK: dɪˈsaɪpl̩ | US: dɪˈsaɪpəl
n. a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosophy
n. (Christianity) one of the twelve personal followers of Christ
disciple = dis<apart> + cip<take> + le<noun suffix>
- dis (Latin: "apart," implying separation or focus)
- cip (from Latin capere, "to take," suggesting learning or receiving)
- le (noun-forming suffix, indicating agency or role)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin discipulus ("learner"), combining dis- (intensive focus) + capere ("to grasp"). The term originally emphasized active learning—literally "one who takes knowledge apart." In Old English, it evolved to discipul, specifically denoting followers of religious teachers, later narrowing to Christ's apostles. The morphemes reflect the idea of a devoted student who internalizes teachings.
Plato was a disciple of Socrates.
She became a disciple of the renowned yoga master.
The disciples spread their teacher’s teachings across the region.
Modern scientists often stand on the shoulders of their intellectual disciples.
His disciples documented his philosophies in great detail.