What does monastically mean?
“Monastically” is an adverb meaning in a way connected with a monastery or with the disciplined, communal, and contemplative life of monks. It can describe how someone lives, how a religious community organizes its practices, or how a practice is carried out according to monastic principles. The word is formal and specialized rather than everyday, and its use often carries associations of asceticism, withdrawal from ordinary society, prayer, work, and obedience to a religious rule. A sentence such as “He lived monastically for several years” indicates more than merely a connection with religion: it suggests a life shaped by monastic discipline. The word is useful when a writer needs to distinguish a specifically monastic manner or approach from a general religious one.
adverbIn a manner relating to a monastery, monastic life, or the practices and principles of monks.
- In a manner characteristic of monastic life or according to monastic rules.
"He chose to live monastically, withdrawing from society for a period of contemplation."
"He chose to live monastically, withdrawing from society for a period of contemplation."
"The community reorganized its daily routine so that the novices could live more monastically."
Monastically turns the idea of monastic life into a precise description of how an action is carried out: with discipline, withdrawal, and devotion to a religious community.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monastically come from?
“Monastically” was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix “-ally” to “monastic.” “Monastic” comes through Latin from the Greek term monastērion, meaning a solitary dwelling or monastery and ultimately associated with a solitary religious life. The related English words “monastery,” “monasticism,” and “monk” reflect the same broader Latin and Greek religious vocabulary.
Related word forms
How monastically is actually used
A formal and relatively uncommon word, used especially in religious, historical, and cultural contexts. It commonly modifies verbs such as “live” and describes a manner of life or religious practice.
Easily confused with monastically
“Monastic” is an adjective describing something connected with monks or monasteries, while “monastically” is the adverb describing an action or way of life performed in that manner.