frate
Definition
- Noun (plural: ):
- A friar: "frate" is an Italian-derived term for a member of a mendicant religious order, especially in Roman Catholic contexts. It is synonymous with "friar," referring to a man who has taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to serve the community.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The frate led the morning prayers at the monastery. (The friar conducted religious services in the monastic community.)
- In medieval Italy, a frate often begged for alms to support his order. (A friar would request donations from the public to sustain his religious group.)
Advanced Usage
- "frate mendicante": an Italian phrase meaning "mendicant friar," emphasizing the vow of poverty and reliance on charity.
- The frate mendicante traveled from village to village, preaching and collecting food. (The friar who depended on alms moved between communities to spread his message.)
Variants and Related Words
- Frate (n): the singular form, used in English contexts to refer specifically to an Italian or Catholic friar.
- Frati (n, plural): the plural form, referring to multiple friars.
- The frati gathered in the square for the annual festival. (The friars assembled in the public square for the yearly celebration.)
Synonyms
- Friar: a member of a mendicant religious order (e.g., Franciscans, Dominicans).
- Monk: a member of a religious community living under vows, though monks typically live in cloistered monasteries, whereas friars often work in the world.
Related Idioms
- "Frate del popolo": an Italian idiom meaning "friar of the people," used to describe a friar who is closely involved with the common people.
- He was known as a frate del popolo because he always helped the poor. (He was called a friar of the people due to his constant aid to the needy.)