Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characterized by or relating to the life of a hermit; solitary and ascetic: Describes a way of living that is isolated from society, often for religious reasons, involving simplicity, self-denial, and solitude.
   • Pertaining to eremites or their practices: Relating specifically to individuals who live as hermits and their characteristic modes of life.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The monk chose an eremitical life in a remote mountain cave. (The monk chose a hermit-like, solitary life.)
  • His eremitical existence was marked by prayer, fasting, and silence. (His hermitic existence involved these ascetic practices.)
  • The eremitical traditions of early Christianity are well-documented. (The traditions involving hermit living are documented.)

Advanced Usage

• "eremitical solitude": A state of complete seclusion characteristic of a hermit.
  • The artist sought eremitical solitude to focus on his work without distraction.
• "eremitical vows": Promises or commitments taken to live as a hermit.
  • He took eremitical vows, renouncing worldly possessions.

Variants and Related Words

• Eremitic (adj): A direct synonym, having the same meaning as 'eremitical'.
  • She studied eremitic practices in medieval Europe.
• Eremite (n): A hermit; a person who lives in solitary seclusion for religious reasons.
  • The desert was home to many eremites.
• Hermitic (adj): Synonymous with eremitic/eremitical, relating to a hermit.
  • His hermitic retreat lasted for decades.

Synonyms

• Anchoritic: Pertaining to an anchorite (a religious recluse).
• Solitary: Involving or characterized by being alone.
• Reclusive: Seeking or preferring seclusion or isolation.
• Ascetic: Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgence.

Antonyms

• Gregarious: Fond of company; sociable.
• Communal: Shared by all members of a community; for common use.
• Social: Relating to society or its organization.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Eremitical life: The lifestyle of a hermit.
  • He felt a calling to the eremitical life.
• Eremitical order: A religious order whose members live as hermits.
  • The Carthusians are a well-known eremitical order.

Adjective

1. characterized by ascetic solitude
   • the eremitic element in the life of a religious colony
   • his hermitic existence
2. of or relating to or befitting eremites or their practices of hermitic living
   • eremitic austerities