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hermit

noun

/ˈhəːmɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of hermit

A person who lives in seclusion from society, often for religious or spiritual reasons.
"The hermit lived alone in a small cabin in the woods."

Detailed meaning of hermit

A hermit is The term hermit comes from the Greek word "eremos" which means "desert" or "wilderness." The concept of the hermit as a solitary figure living in the wilderness can be traced back to early Christianity, where hermits were considered to be holy men and women who sought to live a life of asceticism and contemplation away from the distractions of the world. They were considered to be examples of virtue, and their way of life was admired by many.

A hermit can be a person who chooses to live alone, away from society, to seek a life of contemplation and solitude, or a person who is forced to live alone because of physical or mental conditions. Hermits can be found in various religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Jainism, and they can be found in various cultures around the world.

In modern times, the term "hermit" can also refer to anyone who lives a solitary life, whether it's for spiritual or personal reasons. It can also refer to people who are reclusive by nature and prefer to avoid social interactions.

In summary, a hermit is a person who lives a solitary life, often for spiritual or religious reasons, and who seeks a life of contemplation and seclusion.

Example sentences containing hermit

1. The hermit lived in the depths of the forest, far away from the village.
2. He chose to live like a hermit after retiring from his hectic corporate job.
3. Many people considered him a hermit because he rarely left his house.
4. She decided to live a hermit's life, seeking peace in solitude.
5. The old hermit was the guardian of ancient stories, a keeper of forgotten wisdom.
6. Every once in a while, the hermit would come to the village for supplies.

History and etymology of hermit

The noun 'hermit' has its roots in Late Latin, specifically from the word 'eremita,' which was borrowed from the Greek 'erēmitēs.' The Greek term is derived from 'erēmia,' meaning 'desert' or 'solitude.' In its earliest usage, 'hermit' described a person who chose to live in seclusion or solitude, often in desert regions, for religious or spiritual reasons. These individuals sought a deeper connection with the divine through contemplation and isolation from society. In Christian traditions, hermits were known for their ascetic lifestyles and withdrawal from worldly temptations. As the term made its way into English, it retained its core meaning, signifying a person who lives in seclusion, typically for religious or spiritual purposes. The etymology of 'hermit' underscores the historical association of these individuals with solitude and their quest for spiritual enlightenment through isolation.

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Further usage examples of hermit

1. The hermit crab found a larger shell to inhabit as it grew.
2. The legend speaks of a hermit who found enlightenment in the wilderness.
3. After the loss of his family, he turned into a hermit, avoiding social contact.
4. The mountains provided the perfect isolation for the hermit.
5. As an introvert, he often preferred the lifestyle of a hermit.
6. The hermit meditated in his secluded cave, undisturbed by the world outside.
7. The villagers were surprised to find a hermit living in the old, abandoned cabin.
8. The hermit had been living off the land for more than a decade.
9. He visited the wise hermit on top of the mountain to seek advice.
10. The hermit preferred the company of animals to humans.
11. In the hermit's humble hut, one could find a surprising sense of peace.
12. The children were intrigued by the tales about the hermit who lived by the sea.
13. Despite his hermit lifestyle, he kept himself informed about world events.
14. The hermit lived a simple and content life, devoid of modern luxuries.