Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person sent on a mission, especially a religious or charitable mission to a foreign country: A missionary is someone who is sent, typically by a religious organization, to spread their faith, provide aid, or perform charitable work in a different community or country.
   • A person who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program: This can extend beyond religion to describe someone who zealously advocates for a specific cause, belief system, or ideology.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to or connected with a religious mission: Describes anything associated with the work, purpose, or spirit of a missionary, such as activities, zeal, or organizations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The missionary traveled to a remote village to provide medical care and teach.
  • She was a missionary for environmental conservation, passionately educating communities.

• Adjective:

  • The group's missionary work focused on building schools and wells.
  • He spoke with missionary zeal about the benefits of the new software.

Advanced Usage

• "Missionary position": A term for a common face-to-face sexual position. (Note: This is a specific compound term where "missionary" functions adjectivally).
  • The term "missionary position" has historical and cultural connotations.

Variants and Related Words

• Mission (n): An important assignment or the sending of someone on such an assignment; a religious ministry or campaign.
  • His life's mission was to help the poor.
• Missionize (v): To do missionary work; to attempt to convert others.
  • The church sought to missionize in the new territory.

Synonyms

• Noun: Evangelist, proselytizer, emissary, envoy, apostle, advocate.
• Adjective: Evangelistic, proselytizing, apostolic.

Related Phrases

• Missionary zeal: Great enthusiasm and dedication for promoting a cause, often with a religious connotation.
  • She tackled the project with missionary zeal.

Adjective

1. relating to or connected to a religious mission

Noun

1. someone sent on a mission--especially a religious or charitable mission to a foreign country
2. someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program