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Definition of acolyte

acolyte

/ˈæk.ə.laɪt/
ac · o · lyte
Plural:acolytes
•
Adjective:acolythic
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acolyte Lexical Profile

acolyte Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A devoted follower, assistant, or disciple of a prominent leader, mentor, or cause.

Example

"Throughout his long academic career, the renowned economist mentored a dedicated group of acolytes who carried his theories forward."

2

A person assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession, especially by lighting candles and carrying ceremonial objects.

Example

"The young acolyte carefully lit the altar candles before the morning liturgy began."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for acolyte

• Nearby Words

acme
acne
acned
acolyte
aconcagua
aconcagua river
aconite

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French and Ecclesiastical Latin acolythus, from Ancient Greek akolouthos ('follower, attendant'), composed of the copulative prefix a- ('together') and keleuthos ('path, way'), literally meaning 'traveling the same road'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Acolyte. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/acolyte
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