disciples

disciples — noun

1. the twelve men chosen by Jesus to learn from him and spread his teachings during

1.名詞B2
釋義

the twelve men chosen by Jesus to learn from him and spread his teachings during his lifetime, as described in the Gospels

例句

Heloísa learned the names of all twelve disciples in her Sunday school class.

plural noun referring to Jesus's twelve followers

The painting on the chapel wall showed the disciples sharing the Last Supper with Jesus.

the disciples + religious scene

同義詞
  • apostles

    stresses the role of being sent out to preach; often interchangeable but slightly more formal and mission-focused

  • followers

    much broader; not limited to the original twelve

文法句型

the Disciples

用法筆記

Almost always plural in this sense and frequently capitalized (the Disciples) when naming the historical twelve. Distinguish from sense 2, which refers to followers of any teacher.

常見錯誤

❌Jesus had many disciples in heaven.
✅Jesus had twelve disciples during his life on earth.
💡this sense refers to the historical twelve, not spiritual followers in general.

2. people who closely study under a particular teacher, leader, or thinker, and who

2.名詞C1
釋義

people who closely study under a particular teacher, leader, or thinker, and who actively promote that person's ideas or methods to others

例句

The young pianist studied for years with two disciples of the great Russian composer.

disciples of + person

Adina believes the new coaching staff are loyal disciples of the head manager.

同義詞
  • followers

    neutral and broad; doesn't imply close study or active promotion

  • adherents

    formal; stresses belief in a doctrine more than personal training under a teacher

  • proteges

    stresses being personally mentored and supported, often for career advancement

反義詞
  • critics

    people who oppose rather than promote the teacher's ideas

文法句型

disciples of [person]

disciples of [school/movement]

用法筆記

Formal in tone; common in writing about philosophy, religion, the arts, or academic schools. Distinguish from sense 1: here the disciples follow any teacher or thinker, not specifically Jesus.

常見錯誤

❌I am a disciple of this YouTuber.
✅I am a big fan of this YouTuber.
💡'disciple' suggests deep, formal study of a teacher's ideas, not casual admiration.