'monastery' originates from the Late Latin word 'monasterium', which was derived from the Greek word 'monastērion', where 'monos' meant 'alone'.

'monastērion' transformed into the Latin word 'monasterium', and eventually became the modern English word 'monastery'.

Initially, it meant 'a place for monks to live alone', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a religious community building'.