Disciple — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˈsī-pəl/ dis·ci·ple

Meaning & Definition of Disciple

Disciple (noun)

  1. one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another
  2. one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts
  3. a convinced adherent of a school or individual

Disciple (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one who follows the opinions or teachings of another

    "a circle of dedicated disciples who conscientiously wrote down everything the prophet said"

    similar: acolyte, adherent, convert, epigone, follower, liege man, partisan, pupil, votarist, votary
    related: apostle, missionary, proselytizer, soldier, faithful, loyalist, advocate, backer, champion, supporter, protégé, scholar, student, ideologist, ideologue, sectarian, admirer, cultist, devotee, enthusiast, fan, idolater, worshipper, zealot, apparatchik, camp follower, flunky, hanger-on, henchman, lackey, lickspittle, minion, myrmidon, satellite, stooge, sycophant, toady, yes-man
    opposite: coryphaeus, leader
    near: apostate, defector, renegade, traitor, turncoat

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Disciple

The most common words with a similar meaning to Disciple:

acolyte, adherent, convert, epigone, follower, liege man, partisan, pupil, votarist, votary

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Disciple

Words with the opposite meaning of Disciple:

coryphaeus, leader

Related Words for Disciple

apostle, missionary, proselytizer, soldier, faithful, loyalist, advocate, backer, champion, supporter, protégé, scholar, student, ideologist, ideologue, sectarian, admirer, cultist, devotee, enthusiast, fan, idolater, worshipper, zealot, apparatchik, camp follower, flunky, hanger-on, henchman, lackey

Near Antonyms of Disciple

apostate, defector, renegade, traitor, turncoat

Word Forms of Disciple

Derived words: discipleship (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Disciple

Middle English, "follower of Jesus, one of the apostles, pupil," in part going back to Old English discipul, in part borrowed from Anglo-French disciple, both borrowed from Late Latin discipulus "follower of Christ, apostle" (translation of Greek mathētḗs), going back to Latin, "pupil, learner," of uncertain origin

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Disciple

What does "Disciple" mean?

"Disciple" means one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. As a noun, it is defined as: one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.

What is another word for "Disciple"?

Other words for "Disciple" include acolyte, adherent, convert, epigone, follower, liege man, partisan and pupil. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Disciple" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Disciple"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Disciple". Common alternatives include acolyte, adherent, convert, epigone, follower, liege man, partisan, pupil, votarist and votary.

What is the opposite of "Disciple"?

Antonyms of "Disciple" include coryphaeus and leader. Near antonyms include apostate, defector, renegade and traitor.

How do you use "Disciple" in a sentence?

Examples of "Disciple" in a sentence: "a circle of dedicated disciples who conscientiously wrote down everything the prophet said".

Is "Disciple" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Disciple" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Disciple"?

"Disciple" is pronounced /di-ˈsī-pəl/ and divided into syllables as dis·ci·ple.

What is the origin of the word "Disciple"?

"Disciple" comes from Middle English, "follower of Jesus, one of the apostles, pupil," in part going back to Old English discipul, in part borrowed from Anglo-French disciple, both borrowed from Late Latin discipulus "follower of Christ, apostle" (translation of Greek mathētḗs), going back to Latin, "pupil, learner," of uncertain origin. First known use: before 12th century.