mendicant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mendicant" is an acceptable and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective meaning "dependent on charity or handouts" (Oxford Dictionary). For example, you could write, "The poor mendicant begged for alms on the street corner."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although mendicancy would seem to preclude cenobitism, many orders are mendicant and cenobitic at different times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He exists in a tradition of eccentric, mendicant Sufis.

The Economist

Among Irish voters, the arrival of so-called rescuers from Washington and Brussels has met with mixed emotions: in part stoical resignation, but also outrage at their country's mendicant condition and apparent loss of sovereignty.

The Economist

Ten years later 42% were in favour of reducing the time limit.In this section Mendicant scholars No noble cause Bill and Ben and Gordon A lone ranger Suffer the little children How late is too late?

The Economist

The way was left clear for officials who so wished to submit declarations worthy of a mendicant monastic order.Mr Yeltsin's honesty in such matters has rarely been questioned.

The Economist

To delay its repayments may send the wrong signal to the capital markets, it fears, suggesting that Thailand is a mendicant country unable to carry its debts.

The Economist

Tablighi puts a westerner in mind of the Christian mendicant orders.

The Economist

A postal vote may follow and, if Mr Hood is defeated, he may well resign.In this section Mendicant scholars No noble cause Bill and Ben and Gordon A lone ranger Suffer the little children How late is too late?

The Economist

But Beida is also the seat of the Sanusi, a Sufi order founded by an Algerian mendicant in 1837, which subsequently waged a jihad against Italian rule, and gave birth to the monarchy.

The Economist

Mendicant orders, such as the Franciscans, the Dominicans, the Carmelites, and the Augustinians, arose in the 13th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Complete detachment from all phenomenal possessions and connections in Jainism (founded by Mahavira in the 6th century bce) made paramount the mendicant life of meditation and spiritual exercises dependent upon the fulfillment of vows of poverty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical or religious contexts, use "mendicant" to accurately portray individuals or orders that rely on begging for sustenance as a core tenet.

Common error

Avoid using "mendicant" solely to describe any beggar. The term often carries a specific religious connotation, referring to members of religious orders who embrace poverty and rely on alms. Using it loosely can misrepresent the individual's circumstances or intentions.

Linguistic Context

The word "mendicant" functions primarily as an adjective to describe someone or something that depends on alms or begging for a living, often within a religious context. It can also function as a noun, referring to a person who lives by begging. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

42%

News & Media

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mendicant" is a grammatically sound adjective and noun with specific implications related to begging, often within a religious framework. According to Ludwig AI, it is acceptable for use in written English. Its use is particularly prevalent in encyclopedic and news contexts, indicating a formal register. When writing about individuals or orders that depend on alms, especially within a religious context, "mendicant" is a precise and appropriate term. Avoid using it loosely to describe any beggar, as it often carries a specific religious connotation. Overall, this word is very common and suitable for use in appropriate contexts as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begging monk

Specifically refers to a monk who begs, narrowing the scope to a monastic context.

begging friar

Specifically refers to a friar who begs, narrowing the scope to a religious context.

religious beggar

Highlights that begging is connected to religious orders.

poverty-stricken beggar

Emphasizes the impoverished state of the beggar, adding a layer of destitution.

indigent friar

Describes a friar lacking basic necessities, emphasizing their poverty.

alms-seeker

Highlights the act of seeking charity or alms, focusing on the active pursuit of aid.

pauper reliant on alms

Highlights the state of being a pauper and the dependence on charitable donations.

charity dependent

Directly states the reliance on charity for survival, making the dependence explicit.

one who lives by begging

A general description of the action of living by asking for charity.

itinerant beggar

Adds the element of travel or wandering to the act of begging, suggesting a nomadic lifestyle.

FAQs

How is "mendicant" used in a sentence?

The term "mendicant" can be used as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, it describes someone who depends on alms for a living, such as "a "mendicant friar"." As a noun, it refers to a person who lives by begging.

What's the difference between "mendicant" and "beggar"?

"Beggar" is a general term for someone who asks for money or food. "Mendicant" often implies a religious motivation or affiliation, referring to someone who begs as part of a religious practice or vow of poverty. Therefore a "mendicant" is a beggar, but not all beggars are mendicants.

What are some examples of "mendicant" orders?

Examples of "mendicant" orders include the Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Augustinians. These orders historically relied on charitable donations for their support rather than owning property.

Is "mendicant" an outdated term?

While not as commonly used in everyday conversation, "mendicant" is still a valid and precise term, particularly in historical or religious contexts. It accurately describes a specific way of life based on poverty and begging, and so it remains relevant in appropriate settings.