monastic
What does "monastic" mean?
The word "monastic" describes anything related to monks, nuns, or the lifestyle of a monastery. The mental image is one of extreme simplicity, seclusion, quiet, and a focused life devoted to spiritual discipline or study, away from the distractions of the secular world. While it is most often used to describe religious life, it is also frequently used metaphorically to describe a person’s environment or habits. If you describe someone's room as "monastic," you mean it is very sparse, tidy, and lacks luxury or excess. It suggests a state of asceticism or a deliberate choice to live with very little.
"monastic" in conversation
Discussing a minimalist apartment
I love your new place, but it's so empty!
I love your new place, but it's so empty!
I prefer a monastic living space; it helps me stay focused on my writing.
I prefer a monastic living space; it helps me stay focused on my writing.
Used metaphorically to describe a lack of furniture or distractions.
Learning about history
The order followed a strict monastic rule of silence.
The order followed a strict monastic rule of silence.
Did they never speak to each other at all?
Did they never speak to each other at all?
Only when absolutely necessary for their duties.
Only when absolutely necessary for their duties.
Describes the traditional, disciplined lifestyle within a religious community.
"monastic" in a sentence
He lived a monastic life in a small cabin.
He lived a monastic life in a small cabin.
The ancient library was housed within the monastic complex.
The ancient library was housed within the monastic complex.
Despite his immense wealth, he maintained a monastic simplicity in his daily routine.
Despite his immense wealth, he maintained a monastic simplicity in his daily routine.
