Basic Details
Word: Asceticism
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A lifestyle of self-discipline and simplicity, often avoiding pleasures and comforts for spiritual reasons.
Synonyms: Self-denial, austerity, self-discipline
Antonyms: Indulgence, luxury, hedonism
Idioms and Phrases
- Live like a hermit: To live in solitude and avoid pleasures, similar to ascetic living. Example: "He chose to live like a hermit, focusing only on his studies and meditation."
- All work and no play: A phrase indicating a lack of leisure activities, often leading to a dull life. Example: "His life of asceticism felt like all work and no play, but he found joy in simplicity."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The monks asceticism was evident in his simple clothing and sparse living conditions.
Example 2: Many religions teach the value of asceticism as a means to achieve greater spiritual understanding.
Example 3: Although she admired asceticism, she sometimes struggled with the desire for more comfort and luxury in her life.
Fun Fact
Asceticism has roots in many ancient traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, where practitioners believe that abstaining from earthly pleasures can lead to enlightenment and spiritual growth.
Famous Quote
"Asceticism is not a rejection of the world but a way to embrace a higher order of reality." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "asceticism" mean?
a) A lifestyle full of luxury
b) A lifestyle of self-discipline and simplicity
c) A form of exercise
d) A type of celebration
Answer: b) A lifestyle of self-discipline and simplicity
2. Which of these is a synonym of "asceticism"?
a) Indulgence
b) Luxury
c) Self-denial
d) Pleasure
Answer: c) Self-denial
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "asceticism"?
a) Simplicity
b) Austerity
c) Self-discipline
d) Hedonism
Answer: d) Hedonism
4. Which sentence uses "asceticism" correctly?
a) His asceticism allowed him to enjoy every day at the carnival.
b) She embraced asceticism by reducing her possessions and focusing on her studies.
c) Asceticism is all about eating sweets and celebrating.
d) He practiced asceticism by spending money on lavish parties.
Answer: b) She embraced asceticism by reducing her possessions and focusing on her studies.
5. Which idiom relates to living a life similar to asceticism?
a) Have your cake and eat it too
b) All work and no play
c) Live like a hermit
d) Like a bull in a china shop
Answer: c) Live like a hermit
