disciple

/dɪˈsaɪpl/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈsaɪpl/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈsī-pəl/ (ame, mw)

disciple — noun

  • disciplesingular
  • disciplesplural

1. someone who follows a teacher, leader, or thinker with deep personal belief and

1.名詞C1
釋義

someone who follows a teacher, leader, or thinker with deep personal belief and tries to shape their life by what that person taught.

例句

After hearing the talks, Kwame became a devoted disciple of Mandela's ideas.

disciple of + person's ideas

Ritu called herself a disciple of the writer and copied every line.

同義詞
  • follower

    broader word that can describe support without deep imitation

  • adherent

    more formal, often used for political or religious beliefs

  • devotee

    stresses strong enthusiasm, sometimes for art, food, or a hobby

反義詞
  • critic

    questions or attacks the leader or teaching instead of following it

  • opponent

    actively resists the person, movement, or ideas

文法句型

a disciple of + person, teacher, or leader

用法筆記

Usually followed by 'of' plus a person, teaching, or movement. Stronger than 'student' or 'supporter' because it suggests deep belief and imitation, not only study or agreement.

常見錯誤

❌He was a disciple at the university.
✅He was a student at the university.
💡'disciple' suggests deep loyalty to a teacher or belief system, not ordinary study.

2. in Christian scripture, one of Jesus's close group of twelve men who travelled w

2.名詞C1
釋義

in Christian scripture, one of Jesus's close group of twelve men who travelled with him and learned from him during his lifetime.

例句

According to the Gospel, Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs.

the disciples = Jesus's twelve followers

In the painting, one disciple sits beside Jesus at the table.

同義詞
  • apostle

    often overlaps with the Twelve, but it more strongly suggests being sent out to preach

  • follower

    broader word that does not always mean one of the Twelve

文法句型

the disciples

one of Jesus's disciples

用法筆記

Often appears as 'the disciples' or 'Jesus's disciples' in Bible stories. Distinguish from sense 1: this use points to the specific group around Jesus, especially the Twelve named in the Gospels.

常見錯誤

❌Paul was one of Jesus's twelve disciples.
✅Paul became a follower of Jesus later, but he was not one of the Twelve.
💡this sense refers to the men who travelled with Jesus during his lifetime.