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 disciple in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The church pairs mentors with volunteers to disciple new believers.
  • The philosopher's disciple wrote careful notes on every lecture.
  • Her life as a disciple demanded study, service, and prayer.
  • The teacher sent his disciples out to preach.
  • The movement gained disciples across several countries.

Similar words

apostle
partisan
student
supporter
student
coach
teach
adherent
devotee
follower

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Similar words

mentor
guide
teach
train
instruct
coach

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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