quaker

/'kweikə/

Friendly

The word "quaker" has a couple of meanings, but it is most commonly associated with a particular religious group. Let's break it down:

Basic Definition:

1. General Meaning: The word "quaker" can refer to someone who quakes or trembles, often with fear.
2. Religious Meaning: More specifically, a "Quaker" is a member of the Religious Society of Friends, a Christian group founded by George Fox in the 17th century. This group emphasizes peace, simplicity, and equality, and they are known for their quiet worship.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "Quaker" in the religious sense, it is often capitalized as it refers to a specific group.
• In the general sense (referring to trembling), it is not capitalized.

Examples:

• General Use: "He was a quaker when he heard the loud noise outside."
• Religious Use: "My friend is a Quaker, and she attends meetings every Sunday."

Advanced Usage:

• In advanced discussions, one might talk about the Quakers' role in social justice movements and their commitment to pacifism.

Word Variants:

• Quakerism: The belief system or practices of Quakers.
• Quaker-like: Adjective form that describes something that resembles Quaker principles or practices.

Different Meanings:

• Quaker (general): Someone who trembles with fear.
• Quaker (religious): A member of the Religious Society of Friends.

Synonyms:

• For the general meaning (quaking with fear): trembler, shaker.
• For the religious meaning: While there are no direct synonyms, you might refer to them as Friends (the term they prefer) or Quaker believers.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "quaker," but you might hear phrases like:
  • "To quake in one's boots," which means to be very afraid.

Summary:

"Quaker" can refer to someone who shakes with fear or, more commonly, to a member of a peaceful religious group that values equality and simplicity.

Academic

Noun

1. one who quakes and trembles with (or as with) fear
2. a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)

Synonyms

• trembler
• Friend
• Quaker