How Do You Spell MENDICANT?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛndɪkənt] (IPA)

The word mendicant, which means a beggar or a member of a religious order who lives by begging, is spelled "men-di-kant." The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈmɛn.dɪ.kənt/. The "m" sound is pronounced with the lips closed, followed by an "eh" sound for the "e" in "men." The "d" sound is pronounced by placing the tongue behind the upper teeth, followed by a short "i" sound for the "i" in "di." The "k" sound is pronounced by releasing a burst of air from the back of the throat, followed by an "a" sound for the "a" in "kant."

MENDICANT Meaning and Definition

1. Mendicant is an adjective primarily used to describe individuals who beg for charity or alms as a means of support, essentially relying on the goodwill and generosity of others. It can also serve as a noun to refer to these beggars or those who choose to live a life of poverty as part of a religious or philosophical commitment.

   The term "mendicant" has its origins in the Latin word "mendicare," which means "to beg." Historically, mendicants were commonly associated with religious orders, such as the Franciscans and Dominicans, who renounced personal possessions and relied on charity to sustain their way of life. In this context, mendicants were seen as dedicated to serving others and often engaged in various forms of ministry alongside their beggary.

   Due to its historical connotations, the word "mendicant" can sometimes carry a positive connotation, denoting virtuous dedication to poverty and service to others. However, in contemporary usage, it is more commonly used to describe individuals who are homeless or in need, often residing on the streets and seeking assistance from passersby.

   Overall, "mendicant" refers to those who have chosen or been forced into a state of dependence on the charity of others, whether it is due to personal circumstances or a religious commitment to poverty.

2. • A beggar.

   • One of a religious fraternity in the R. Cath. Ch. who lived by begging; a beggar.

   • Begging; practising beggary-applied to several religious fraternities in the R. Cath. Ch.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MENDICANT

• mendicat
• menaccanit
• Mendificante
• Mendiean
• medicont
• mediciant
• Endicat
• mondicant
• mendicens

Etymology of MENDICANT

The word "mendicant" is derived from the Latin term "mendicans", which is the present participle of the verb "mendicare". "Mendicare" means "to beg" or "to ask" in Latin. The term "mendicant" was originally used to refer to religious orders or individuals who subsisted through begging or relying on alms for their sustenance.

Similar spelling words for MENDICANT

• mendicancy,
• Mendoza,
• mendacity,
• Mendicino,
• Mendosa.

Plural form of MENDICANT is MENDICANTS