eremitical
|e-rem-it-i-cal|
🇺🇸
/ˌɛrəˈmɪtɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌerəˈmɪtɪkəl/
hermit-like; solitary
Etymology
'eremitical' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'eremiticus', where the root 'erem-' (from Greek 'erēmos') meant 'desert' and the suffix '-icus' meant 'pertaining to'.
'erēmitēs' (Greek) gave rise to Latin 'eremita' and Late Latin 'eremiticus'; these passed into Medieval Latin and then into English as 'eremite' and subsequently produced the adjective 'eremitical'.
Initially it meant 'of the desert' or 'pertaining to hermits'; over time it evolved to mean 'solitary' or 'characteristic of hermits' in English usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of a hermit or of hermitage.
The monastery followed an eremitical rule, favoring long periods of solitary prayer.
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Adjective 2
solitary; living in seclusion, often for religious or ascetic reasons.
After retiring from public life she led an eremitical existence in the countryside.
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Adjective 3
pertaining to eremitism (the practice or condition of hermit life).
The text describes several eremitical practices observed by early desert monks.
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Last updated: 2025/10/07 02:29