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Glite Dictionary
ascetical

ascetical

9.9
Showing strict self-control and avoiding pleasure for religious reasons
  • adjective
  • /əˈsɛtɪkəl/
  • Formal
translation icon : ascético
  • Many monks practice ascetical rituals to deepen their spiritual connection.
  • ascetical life
  • ascetical vocation
  • ascetical saint

Examples

  • Identification with Christ, Bonaventure tells the reader, was Francis's ascetical goal.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Antony's steadfast commitment to the ascetical life led his fellow Christians to regard him as a living saint.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Clearly, this vision of purgatory's effects makes the ascetical path the standard of the saved state.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Much in the manner of ascetical denial, they pave a path to spiritual perfection that brings the soul to God.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Striking examples of this ascetical transformation occur in Marie de France's St. Patrick's Purgatory.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Antony is Christ-like by virtue of an extraordinary discipleship forged in ascetical sacrifice.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The passivity of purgatory affirmed the finality of divine judgment and fostered the ascetical values of the merit system by placing the suffering souls in need of intercession.

    Academic text (2008)

  • He chose an ascetical lifestyle, avoiding luxuries to focus on his religious commitments.

  • The ascetical philosophy emphasized self-control and resisting earthly temptations for spiritual growth.

Synonyms

puritanical
vsascetical
14 8.2

Disapproving of pleasure and very strict about moral behavior

emphasizes personal religious discipline rather than moral judgement of others
spartan
vsascetical
5 7.7

Very simple and lacking comfort or luxury

focuses on religious self-denial rather than practical simplicity or toughness
ascetic
vsascetical
4 8.8

Having strict control of wants and no luxuries

is about strict self-discipline and avoidance of pleasure in religious contexts
austere
vsascetical
4 8.2

Living simply and avoiding comfort or luxury

is specifically tied to religious avoidance of pleasure rather than general simplicity

Antonyms

indulgent
36 6.1

Willing to let someone have what they want, even if it is not good for them

How Ascetic

ascetical
  • Formal
9.9
austere
8 7.2
disciplined
10 4.2
temperate
5 4.6
indulgent
36 6.1

Surface Forms

ascetical positive

Morphology

ascetical = ascetic (semi-transparent) = ascetic + al

The suffix '-al' is a common adjective-forming suffix, but the specific religious or spiritual connotation may not be immediately clear to all learners.

Etymology

Ascetical comes from the Greek word askesis, which means 'exercise' or 'training'. It first described spiritual training like fasting and silence, so an ascetical life is a strict kind of 'training' that avoids pleasure for religious or spiritual reasons.