Askesis
/əˈskiːsɪs/noun
Deliberate training or disciplined practice, especially spiritual or philosophical self-discipline.
Did you know?Early Christian writers used askesis, originally associated with athletic training, for rigorous fasting, prayer, and self-mastery.
Etymological Timeline
5th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
ἄσκησις (áskēsis)
“Exercise, training, or disciplined practice”
5th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
ἀσκέω (askéō)
“To train, practice, work at, or exercise”
Late Antiquity
Greek
ἄσκησις (áskēsis)
“Religious discipline or spiritual training”
4th Century
Late Latin
ascēsis
“Ascetic or spiritual practice”
17th Century
English
askesis
“Discipline or exercise, especially of a religious or philosophical kind”
Modern English
English
askesis
“Intentional self-discipline used for spiritual, philosophical, or personal development”
Explore more surprising origins