ASCETIC (Adj.)

Meaning- 1) The practice of self-denial or severe self-discipline for religious reasons.

                        2) A person who renounces material comforts and leads a life of austere self-discipline; especially, as an act of religious devotion.

Mnemonic trick- The word ascetic contains word ‘scet’. ’scet’ sounds similar to saint. Saint lives abstemious lifestyle or lifestyle of self-discipline. They renounce material comforts. Therefore, ascetic means practice of self-denial or severe self-discipline for religious reasons.

Synonym- ABSTEMIOUS, ABSTINENT, ABSTENTIOUS, SELF-ABNEGATING, AUSTERE, SPARTAN

Uses-

• ·         Historians report that many of the early Christian leaders were extreme ascetics who denied themselves normal physical pleasures and dedicated their lives to serving god.
• ·         There have been ascetics who have devoted their lives to god with prayer, fasting and solemn commitment to helping those who were in need of spiritual and physical help.

• ·         The monks lived a very ascetic life.