disciple

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/ˈdɪsɪpəl/
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A committed learner or follower of a teacher, faith, or school of thought, with a verb use for guiding someone in that kind of devoted formation.
Practice using this word in conversation

Examples

  • His most loyal disciple preserved the old technique.
  • Many disciples gathered to hear the teacher speak.
  • The movement gained disciples across several countries.
  • The philosopher's disciple wrote careful notes on every lecture.
  • They were discipled through prayer, study, and shared service.

Similar words

train
mentor
supporter
follower
devotee
student
instruct
student
teach
coach

Meanings

Follower of a religious teacher

noun
religion
neutral
A learner and follower of a religious teacher, especially one of the followers of Jesus in the New Testament.

Usage

Use disciple when learning, loyalty, and commitment to a teacher or religious path are central, not merely attendance or admiration.

Examples

  • Many disciples gathered to hear the teacher speak.
  • The Gospel describes Peter as a disciple of Jesus.
  • A devoted disciple studied the scriptures every day.
  • The monk welcomed a new disciple into the community.
  • The teacher sent his disciples out to preach.
  • Her life as a disciple demanded study, service, and prayer.

Common mistakes

The word is confused with discipline, or it is made identical with apostle in every context.
IncorrectCorrect
Jesus had twelve disciplines. Jesus had twelve disciples.
The disciple are many. The disciples are many.
Every disciple is an apostle. Every apostle is a disciple, but not every disciple is an apostle.
She is a disciple in meditation once a year. She attends meditation sessions once a year.

Similar words

follower
adherent
devotee
student
learner
apostle

Devoted adherent

noun
ideas
neutral
A committed follower of a person, school of thought, movement, or way of life.

Usage

Use disciple outside religion only when the following is serious and shaped by study, imitation, or strong allegiance.

Examples

  • The philosopher's disciple wrote careful notes on every lecture.
  • She became a disciple of minimalist design.
  • The coach attracted disciples who copied his methods.
  • As a disciple of Keynes, he defended public spending.
  • The movement gained disciples across several countries.
  • His most loyal disciple preserved the old technique.

Common mistakes

The word is used for casual fans, ordinary users, or weak preferences that do not imply devotion.
IncorrectCorrect
He is a disciple of rock music. He is a fan of rock music.
She is a disciple of the new app. She is a user of the new app.
The politician's disciple attended one rally. The politician's supporter attended one rally.
He is a discipline of Freud. He is a disciple of Freud.

Similar words

adherent
follower
devotee
supporter
student
partisan

Train as a disciple

verb
religion
neutral
To teach, guide, or mentor someone so that they grow as a disciple, especially in Christian practice.

Usage

Use disciple as a verb when the guiding relationship is explicitly about religious formation or close mentoring, not ordinary instruction.

Examples

  • The church pairs mentors with volunteers to disciple new believers.
  • She discipled several students during their first year of ministry.
  • He is discipling a small group on Wednesday evenings.
  • The program trains leaders who can disciple others.
  • They were discipled through prayer, study, and shared service.
  • A good mentor can disciple without controlling every choice.

Common mistakes

The verb is confused with discipline, or it is used for teaching a skill with no discipleship relationship.
IncorrectCorrect
The pastor disciplined new believers every week. The pastor discipled new believers every week.
She disciple the youth group. She disciples the youth group.
The course disciples spreadsheet formulas. The course teaches spreadsheet formulas.
He is discipling for lateness. He is disciplining the class for lateness.

Similar words

mentor
guide
teach
train
instruct
coach

Usage

Use disciple when devotion, learning, and following a teacher or doctrine are stronger than ordinary interest, support, or instruction.

Common mistakes

Disciple is confused with discipline, especially in verb forms such as discipled and discipling.

Etymology

From Latin discipulus, "student" or "learner", related to discere, "to learn".

FAQ

What does disciple mean?

A disciple is a committed learner or follower of a teacher, faith, movement, or school of thought.

What does disciple mean in Christianity?

In Christianity, a disciple is a follower of Jesus, especially one who learns from and lives by his teaching.

Can disciple be used outside religion?

Yes. A disciple can be a devoted follower of a philosopher, artist, leader, method, or movement.

Can disciple be a verb?

Yes. To disciple someone is to mentor, teach, or guide them as a disciple, especially in Christian practice.

What is the past tense of disciple?

The past tense is discipled, and the present participle is discipling.

Is disciple the same as discipline?

No. Disciple means follower or learner, while discipline means training, control, a field of study, or punishment.

Where does disciple come from?

Disciple comes from Latin discipulus, meaning student or learner.

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