Ascetical
/əˈsɛtɪkəl/noun
Relating to severe self-discipline, especially the renunciation of physical pleasures for spiritual or religious purposes.
Did you know?In early Christian writing, ascetic practice could involve fasting, celibacy, solitude, and bodily discipline—not merely a private lifestyle preference.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀσκεῖν (askein)
“To practice, train, or exercise”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄσκησις (askēsis)
“Practice, training, or disciplined exercise”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀσκητής (askētēs)
“A practitioner or one who trains, later especially a religious devotee”
Late Antique Greek
Greek
ἀσκητικός (askētikos)
“Relating to disciplined practice or an ascetic”
Late Latin
Latin
asceticus
“Ascetic or relating to rigorous spiritual discipline”
17th Century
English
ascetical
“Relating to ascetic practices or self-denial”
Modern English
English
ascetical
“Characterized by severe self-discipline, especially for religious purposes”
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