proselytise
/proselytise/
Definition
- 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.
Verb
-
convert to another faith or religion
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