votary

/ˈvəʊtəri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈvəʊtəri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈvō-tə-rē How to pronounce votary (audio)/ (ame, mw)

votary — noun

  • votarysingular
  • votariesplural

1. Someone who pledges their life to a specific faith or deity, often living inside

1.名詞C1
釋義

Someone who pledges their life to a specific faith or deity, often living inside a religious institution.

例句

The old monastery housed just three elderly votaries who tended the garden and chapel each morning.

votaries as members of a religious community

Dewi became a votary of the mountain temple after spending a year studying with the monks.

同義詞
  • devotee

    broader — can describe any enthusiastic follower, not only religious ones

  • adorer

    more emotional and less institutional than 'votary'

文法句型

votary + of + [deity/monastery/religion]

用法筆記

This sense is most common in historical or religious writing. In modern everyday speech, 'monk', 'nun', or 'devotee' are far more frequent alternatives.

常見錯誤

❌The votary voted for the new law' (confusing with 'voter').
✅The votary prayed at the temple every morning.
💡'votary' relates to religious devotion, not voting.

2. A person who is extremely loyal to a particular cause, movement, or person and a

2.名詞C1
釋義

A person who is extremely loyal to a particular cause, movement, or person and actively supports them.

例句

Chiara has been a votary of the women's education movement since she was a university student.

votary of + cause

The senator gave a speech that drew loud cheers from her most loyal votaries.

同義詞
  • adherent

    more neutral and common in political contexts

  • follower

    more general and less intense than 'votary'

  • champion

    emphasises active defence of a cause rather than devotion

反義詞
  • opponent

    someone who actively resists the same cause or person

  • detractor

    someone who criticises rather than supports

文法句型

votary + of + [cause/person/ideal]

用法筆記

Unlike 'fan' or 'supporter', 'votary' suggests a devotion that resembles religious dedication in its intensity. It is used in formal or literary contexts.

常見錯誤

❌He is a votary of the local football team.' (too informal).
✅He is a devoted votary of environmental causes.
💡'votary' fits serious, long-term commitments better than casual hobbies.