Quaker
'kweɪkər
Definitions
2 meaningsA member of the Religious Society of Friends, a Christian movement emphasizing direct experience of God and equality.
'kweɪkər
A member of the Religious Society of Friends
My neighbor is a Quaker and attends meetings every Sunday.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of people who believe in being kind and peaceful. They don't have fancy rituals, but they sit quietly together to feel closer to God and to think about how to help others. They're called Quakers, and they're known for being honest and fair.
👶 For kids: A Quaker is someone who goes to a special church called the Religious Society of Friends. They believe in being nice to everyone and they don't like fighting.
More Examples
The Quaker community is known for its commitment to pacifism.
Quakers played a significant role in the abolitionist movement.
How It's Used
"Many Quakers were early advocates for social justice and pacifism."
"William Penn, a notable Quaker, founded the colony of Pennsylvania."
Relating to or characteristic of the Quakers; often used to describe their beliefs, practices, or way of life.
'kweɪkər
Relating to or characteristic of the Quakers
The organization followed a Quaker philosophy of non-violence.
💡 Simply: Like a way of doing things that Quakers do. If someone lives a Quaker lifestyle, they believe in being peaceful and simple. If someone does things in a Quaker-like way, they are being kind.
👶 For kids: If something is Quaker, it means it has to do with Quakers and their special way of doing things.
More Examples
The building was constructed with Quaker simplicity in mind.
She embraced Quaker values of honesty and integrity.
How It's Used
"They adopted a Quaker lifestyle, emphasizing simplicity."
Derived from the verb "quake," referring to the physical trembling associated with early Quaker worship practices. The Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, emerged in 17th-century England.
The term 'Quaker' originated as a derogatory nickname given to the Friends in the mid-17th century, due to the physical trembling or 'quaking' associated with their spiritual experiences. They eventually adopted it themselves.
Memory tip
Think of the Quakers' silent, contemplative worship, where individuals often 'quake' with spiritual feeling.