English Lexicon

Ascesis

/ˈæs.kə.sɪs/
nounCEFR C2 (Proficient)Top #45000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Rigorous self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.

    "The monk chose a life of strict ascesis in the remote monastery."
  2. 2

    A rigorous course of action or training aimed at achieving moral or intellectual mastery.

    "His intellectual ascesis involved waking up before dawn to study classical philosophy."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek word áskēsis, meaning 'exercise' or 'training', originally used by athletes preparing for competitions. In antiquity, the term evolved through Hellenistic philosophy and early Christian theology to denote rigorous spiritual discipline and self-abnegation.

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