disciple

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "disciple" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a follower or learner of a particular teacher, belief, or philosophy. For example, "John is a disciple of Buddhism and follows the teachings of Buddha closely".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Uruguay is home to artists of all kinds, such as Picasso's disciple Carlos Vilera.

The Guardian - Travel

Once you know the signs, it's easy to spot a disciple of the cult of Cos.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 2011 he ran again, this time as a disciple of Brazil's left-leaning but pragmatic former president, known as Lula, calling for "a great transformation".

The Economist

Saeed Jalili, widely considered the front-runner, is a stalwart disciple of the supreme leader and is campaigning on the revolutionary rhetoric of "resistance" as well as traditional Muslim values.

The Economist

In the relationship that resulted it was never quite clear who was the mentor, who the disciple, despite the convenient fiction that Dickinson needed a "Preceptor .The poet was right in supposing Higginson was "occupied"; hers was a life of contemplation, his one of action.

The Economist

The world economy may have changed beyond recognition since 1944, but to a true disciple the same policies make sense.

The Economist

The most recent was "Conte d'été", with heart-throb Melvil Poupaud divided between three delectable girls.Younger French directors have followed Mr Rohmer's example, notably André Téchiné and his even younger disciple, Gaël Morel.

The Economist

General Konaté recently arrested Colonel Moussa Keita, a disciple of Captain Camara, who has been accused of planning to charter a plane to bring his man back from exile, presumably to reinstate him as president.

The Economist

Dr Johnson would have told you simply: Sir, you are mistaken.His disciple at The Economist agrees.

The Economist

In 40 years, Brasilia, designed for 500,000 people, has acquired 1.8m.The city was planned as a fearless celebration of a new world: as Mr Costa, the chief Brazilian disciple of Le Corbusier, conceived it, a statement of how people should live, not how they do.

The Economist

And whereas Mr Lafontaine, self-proclaimed (if ill-taught) disciple of Keynes, called for easier money to boost demand, Mr Eichel will probably stress the need to tackle the German economy's structural faults its clogged labour market, for a start.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone as a "disciple", consider the specific context. This word suggests a dedicated follower who adheres closely to the teachings or principles of a leader or philosophy. Ensure this connotation aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "disciple" when "fan" is more appropriate. "Disciple" implies a deeper commitment and adherence to teachings, while "fan" suggests admiration or enjoyment. Overusing "disciple" can sound overly reverent or exaggerated in contexts where simple admiration is intended.

Linguistic Context

The noun "disciple" functions primarily as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting an individual who adheres to the teachings or principles of a leader, philosophy, or religion. As evidenced by examples provided by Ludwig, it's used to identify a committed follower.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "disciple" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, denoting a committed follower of a particular leader, philosophy, or teaching. As shown by Ludwig, it appears most often in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While synonyms like "follower" or "adherent" exist, "disciple" implies a deeper commitment. It's essential to use "disciple" appropriately, avoiding confusion with terms like "fan" when a simple admiration is intended. According to Ludwig AI, the word can be used in written English and refers to a learner that follows a teaching.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follower

Focuses on the act of following or adhering to a person or belief system.

adherent

Emphasizes a strong commitment and loyalty to a particular belief or ideology.

protégé

Highlights the relationship between a mentor and a person being trained or guided.

student

Emphasizes the learning aspect of the relationship.

supporter

Indicates someone who actively advocates for or defends a cause or person.

devotee

Implies a strong admiration, love, or dedication to someone or something.

convert

Suggests a change in belief or allegiance.

acolyte

Describes someone who assists or follows a leader, often in a religious context.

imitator

Focuses on the act of copying or emulating someone's behavior or style.

proselyte

Implies a new convert, especially to a religious faith or political doctrine.

FAQs

How can I use the word "disciple" in a sentence?

You can use "disciple" to describe someone who follows the teachings or example of a leader or philosophy. For instance, "He is a devoted disciple of Mahatma Gandhi".

What is a synonym for "disciple"?

Alternatives to "disciple" include "follower", "adherent", or "protégé", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between a "disciple" and a "student"?

While both involve learning, a "disciple" implies a stronger commitment and adherence to the teachings of a particular leader or philosophy, whereas a "student" is someone who is simply learning a subject.

When is it appropriate to use the term "disciple"?

Use "disciple" when describing someone who is deeply influenced by and committed to following a particular teaching, philosophy, or leader. It's often used in religious, philosophical, or artistic contexts.