What does monkishness mean?
Monkishness is a noun meaning the quality of being monkish: religious, secluded, austere, and disciplined in a way associated with monastic life. It can describe a person's genuine religious outlook or, more commonly in ordinary conversation, characterize behavior that seems unusually strict, withdrawn, or devoted to self-denial. The word is often literary and occasionally humorous, so it may carry the implication of seeing someone as more solemn or otherworldly than ordinary social circumstances require. Monkishness differs from monasticism, which refers to the broader practice or institution of monastic life, and from asceticism, which emphasizes severe self-discipline or abstention but is not specifically religious. Because monkishness is relatively uncommon, it is especially useful in descriptive writing when the writer wants to evoke both devotion and a degree of social distance or eccentricity.
nounThe quality or state of being monkish, especially characterized by religious seclusion, austerity, or adherence to a strict and disciplined way of life. The word can also describe behavior perceived as excessively solemn, self-denying, or unworldly.
- The quality or state of being monkish, especially marked by religious devotion, seclusion, austerity, or self-discipline.
"His monkishness made it difficult for him to join the noisy celebration."
"The novel's central character embraces a kind of monkishness, withdrawing from society to devote himself to study."
"Her colleagues jokingly complained about his monkishness after he declined the office party."
Rare in modern usage; the plural is formed regularly by adding -es.
"The novel explores the different monkishnesses that arise from lives withdrawn from society."
Monkishness can suggest both genuine religious devotion and a strikingly austere approach to ordinary life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monkishness come from?
Monkishness is formed from monkish, an adjective derived from monk, with the suffix -ness indicating a quality or state. Monk ultimately comes through Old French from Latin monachus, a learned borrowing of Greek monachos, meaning a solitary or solitary-living person. The related forms monastery and monastic continue the same religious and institutional tradition in English.
Related word forms
How monkishness is actually used
Usually literary or mildly critical. It may describe genuine monastic qualities, but it is often used humorously for someone who appears unusually serious, secluded, or self-denying.
Easily confused with monkishness
Monkishness is a quality or characterization, whereas monasticism is the practice, movement, or system of life associated with monasteries and religious communities.