Marianist
|mar-i-an-ist|
🇺🇸
/ˈmɛəriənɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˈmærɪənɪst/
member or follower of the Society of Mary / relating to Mary
Etymology
'Marianist' originates from English, specifically formed from 'Marian' + the agentive suffix '-ist'; 'Marian' ultimately comes from Latin 'Maria' meaning 'Mary', and the suffix '-ist' (from Greek/Latin) denotes a follower, member, or advocate.
'Marian' developed from Latin 'Marianus' or directly from 'Maria' (meaning 'Mary') into Middle/Modern English forms 'Marian', and the English formation 'Marianist' appeared in the 19th century to name members of the Society of Mary (the Marianists).
Initially it meant 'pertaining to Mary' (i.e., 'of Mary'); over time the compound 'Marianist' came to denote specifically a member or follower of the Society of Mary or someone associated with Marianist institutions.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of the Society of Mary (a Roman Catholic religious congregation) or of a congregation of the Marianists; often a religious brother or sister or someone affiliated with Marianist institutions (schools, universities).
The Marianist brothers run the school and emphasize both faith and service.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/03 22:33