proselytise

/proselytise/

Thân thiện

A missionary proselytises to a group of villagers.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To attempt to convert someone from one religious belief, faith, or opinion to another: The core meaning involves actively persuading others to change their religious or ideological affiliation.
   • To recruit or convert someone to a cause, doctrine, or party: This extends the meaning to non-religious contexts, such as political movements or strong beliefs.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • Missionaries were sent to proselytise among the indigenous population.
  • He spends his weekends proselytising for his political party.
  • It is considered impolite to proselytise at the dinner table.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to proselytise for/against something": This structure specifies the cause being promoted or opposed.
  • She actively proselytises for environmental conservation.
  • The group proselytises against modern technology.
• The activity of proselytising can be viewed neutrally, positively, or negatively depending on context, often carrying connotations of zealotry or aggressive persuasion.

Variants and Related Words

• Proselytize: The preferred spelling in American English. It has the same meaning and usage as "proselytise" (British English).
• Proselytisation/Proselytization (noun): The act or process of proselytising.
  • The proselytisation efforts were met with resistance.
• Proselyte (noun): A person who has been converted from one opinion, belief, or religion to another.
  • He was a proselyte to the new faith.

Synonyms

• Convert: To change someone's religious faith or belief.
• Evangelise: To preach the gospel, often with the aim of converting; can be used more broadly for enthusiastic advocacy.
• Recruit: To enlist someone as a new member of a group or cause (more general, less specific to belief systems).
• Propagandise: To promote a particular doctrine or point of view, often in a biased way.

Antonyms

• Tolerate: To allow the existence of beliefs or practices different from one's own.
• Dissuade: To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action, such as joining a group.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To engage in proselytism: A formal phrase for the activity of proselytising.
  • The sect is known for its aggressive proselytism.
• Proselytising zeal/mission: Describes the fervent enthusiasm characteristic of someone who proselytises.
  • She spoke with a proselytising zeal about her dietary choices.

Học thuật

Verb

1. convert to another faith or religion

Từ đồng nghĩa

• proselytize