What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hermit
Example
The old man lived as a hermit in the mountains, away from civilization. [hermit: noun]
Example
She became a hermit after her husband passed away, avoiding contact with others. [hermit: adjective]
ascetic
Example
The monk lived an ascetic life, sleeping on a hard mat and eating only one meal a day. [ascetic: adjective]
Example
He embraced an ascetic lifestyle, giving up his wealth and possessions to focus on spiritual growth. [ascetic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hermit is more commonly used than ascetic in everyday language. Hermit is often used to describe someone who lives alone or avoids social interaction, while ascetic is more specific to a lifestyle of self-discipline and self-denial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hermit and ascetic?
Ascetic is more formal than hermit. It is often used in religious or philosophical contexts, while hermit is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
