A1 noun Neutral #2,636 most common

monk

/mʌŋk/

A monk is a man who is a member of a religious group and lives in a special building called a monastery. He usually lives a simple life, away from other people, focusing on prayer, meditation, and work.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The monk woke up early every morning to pray in the temple.

The religious man started his day early with prayer in the sacred building.

2

The resident monk provided a formal blessing during the ceremony.

The man living in the monastery gave an official holy wish during the event.

3

I saw a monk buying some fruit at the local market today.

I noticed a religious man purchasing food at the shop.

Word Family

Noun
monk
Adverb
monastically
Adjective
monastic
Related
monastery
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Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'mono-' which means 'one' or 'alone.' A monk often lives a solitary or separate life.

Quick Quiz

The ______ lived a very simple life in the mountain monastery.

Correct!

The correct answer is: monk

Examples

1

The monk woke up early every morning to pray in the temple.

everyday

The religious man started his day early with prayer in the sacred building.

2

The resident monk provided a formal blessing during the ceremony.

formal

The man living in the monastery gave an official holy wish during the event.

3

I saw a monk buying some fruit at the local market today.

informal

I noticed a religious man purchasing food at the shop.

4

Historical records show that the monk was responsible for copying ancient books.

academic

Evidence indicates the religious man had the job of writing out old texts.

5

The tourism board partnered with the monk community to preserve the historical site.

business

The business group worked with the religious men to keep the old building safe.

Word Family

Noun
monk
Adverb
monastically
Adjective
monastic
Related
monastery

Common Collocations

Buddhist monk A monk who follows the teachings of Buddhism
monk's robe The long, loose piece of clothing worn by a monk
silent monk A monk who has promised not to speak
monastic life The way of living followed by monks
local monk A monk from the nearby community or temple

Common Phrases

monk's habit

The traditional clothing worn by a monk

live like a monk

To live a very simple and disciplined life without many things

monk's cell

The small, simple room where a monk sleeps

Often Confused With

monk vs nun

A monk is a man in a religious order, while a nun is a woman in a religious order.

monk vs priest

A priest usually works with the public in a church, while a monk often lives a quiet life in a monastery.

📝

Usage Notes

The word monk is used for men in many different religions, including Christianity and Buddhism. It implies a life of discipline and separation from modern society.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'monk' to describe a female religious worker; remember to use 'nun' for women.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'mono-' which means 'one' or 'alone.' A monk often lives a solitary or separate life.

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek word 'monakhos,' which means 'solitary' or 'living alone.'

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one monk, two monks Usually takes masculine pronouns (he/him) Can be used as a modifier: a monk community
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Asian cultures, monks are highly respected and are often seen collecting alms (food donations) in the morning.

Quick Quiz

The ______ lived a very simple life in the mountain monastery.

Correct!

The correct answer is: monk

Related Words

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

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