What is nun? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of nun

nunnoun

ni cô

/nʌn//nʌn/

Where does the word nun come from?

The word "nun" originally comes from the Latin word "non cave" which means "she does not go." This phrase was used in the Middle Ages to describe women who chose to live ascetic, religious lives without leaving their convents. In early Christianity, women who wished to consecrate themselves to God without taking traditional holy vows could live in community with other like-minded women as "anomalous sisters" or "handmaids." These early religious sisters were not confined to monasteries and could travel as volunteers for various church-related tasks, like teaching or serving as healers. Over time, the role of religious women evolved, and in the 13th century, the concept of taking traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience was introduced. Anamalous sisters were encouraged to incorporate these vows into their religious practice, and "non cave" became less frequently used as a descriptor. Today, the term "nun" is generally used to refer to a religious woman who has consecrated her life to God through religious vows and lives in a convent or monastery. However, some religious communities, particularly those for women who choose to live a more unconventional lifestyle, still use alternative terms such as "artist nun" or "contemplative journalist nun."

Vocabulary summary nun

typenoun

meaningnun

meaning(zoology) long-coated bird

Example of vocabulary nunnamespace

  • Sister Margaret, a nun at the local convent, devoted her life to serving others and practicing her Catholic faith.
  • The group of nuns in the convent gathered in the chapel to pray and reflect on their everyday duties.
  • In spite of her strict religious convictions, the compassionate nun never shied away from helping the poor and needy.
  • After completing her novitiate, Sister Josephine made her final vows and committed herself to a lifetime of serving God and mankind.
  • The nun's selfless devotion to her choirsters inspired the church choir to sing in perfect harmony.

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