Gymnosophist
/ˌdʒɪm.nəˈsɒf.ɪst/noun
A member of an ancient class of Indian ascetics described by Greek writers as living in extreme austerity.
Did you know?The word entered English through Greek accounts of Indian ascetics, and its first part comes from the same ancient root as “gymnasium,” because both are tied to the idea of being naked.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
gymnosophistēs
“a naked philosopher or ascetic, especially one associated with India”
Late Greek
Greek
gymnosophistēs
“a term used by Greek writers for Indian ascetics”
16th Century
English
gymnosophist
“a learned ascetic or Indian philosopher described in classical sources”
Modern English
English
gymnosophist
“a member of an ancient class of Indian ascetics described by Greek writers as living in austerity”
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