Missionary
ˈmɪʃəˌnɛri
Definitions
2 meaningsA person sent to a place to do religious work, particularly to spread their faith.
ˈmɪʃəˌnɛri
A person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country or to evangelize at home.
The missionaries dedicated their lives to helping the poor and sick.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who packs their bags and goes far away to tell people about their religion and help them. Like if you really wanted to share something you believed in, and you traveled to new places to do it!
👶 For kids: Someone who goes to a different place to tell people about their religion.
More Examples
The arrival of the missionaries brought significant changes to the local culture.
She felt a strong calling to become a missionary and serve in a developing country.
How It's Used
"Many missionaries traveled to Africa in the 19th century to spread Christianity."
"The missionary's efforts were crucial in establishing schools and hospitals in the remote region."
Relating to or characteristic of a missionary or missionary work.
ˈmɪʃəˌnɛri
The missionary school provided education to children from various backgrounds.
💡 Simply: When something has to do with a person who spreads their religion and helps others. Like, 'missionary work' is all the things a missionary does.
👶 For kids: Something that has to do with the person who goes to tell people about their religion.
More Examples
She felt drawn to a missionary life, dedicating her time to helping others.
They undertook a missionary project to build a well in the village.
How It's Used
"The organization provided missionary training to aspiring volunteers."
"They adopted a missionary approach to social reform, focusing on education and community development."
Idioms & expressions
missionary position
A sexual position where the person on their back has their partner on top of them.
"The couple tried the missionary position."
From Late Latin *missionarius*, derived from *missio* ('a sending'), referring to someone sent on a mission. It entered English in the early 17th century.
Missionary has been used since the 17th century, originally referring to those sent to propagate the Christian faith in foreign lands. Its use has expanded over time.
Memory tip
Think of someone on a 'mission' to spread their religious beliefs.