Definition
A proselyte is a person who has converted from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Convert, neophyte, newcomer, novice, beginner
Antonyms
Apostate, heretic, infidel
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | proselyte, proselytes |
| Verb | proselytizes, proselytized, proselytize, proselytizing |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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As an eloquent and persuasive speaker, Mary became a sought-after proselyte for her cause, skillfully articulating her beliefs, engaging in dialogue, and captivating audiences with her passionate advocacy, successfully convincing many to join her in the pursuit of social justice.
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After a life-altering experience, James became a passionate proselyte, fervently spreading the message of his newfound beliefs, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and sharing personal anecdotes to persuade others to embrace the same spiritual path he had embarked upon.
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She became a proselyte of the political party after reading its manifesto.
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The proselyte was well-versed in the customs and practices of the new religion.
Usage
The term “proselyte” is commonly used to describe a person who converts to a new religion or belief system, but it can also be used in a more general sense to describe someone who has converted to a new opinion or way of thinking. The word comes from the Greek “proselytos”, which means “newcomer”.
In a religious context, a proselyte is someone who has undergone a formal process of conversion and has accepted the beliefs and practices of a new religion. This process may involve studying the teachings of the new religion, making a public declaration of faith, and undergoing a baptism or other initiation ritual. In some cases, the process may be relatively informal and may involve simply adopting the new beliefs and practices without undergoing a formal conversion process.
Outside of religious contexts, the term “proselyte” is sometimes used to describe people who have changed their political or social views. For example, a person who was previously a staunch conservative but who has become a progressive may be described as a proselyte of the progressive movement. Similarly, a person who was previously skeptical about the benefits of renewable energy but who has become a strong advocate for it may be described as a proselyte of the renewable energy movement.
The word “proselyte” can also be used in a slightly derogatory way to suggest that someone is not entirely sincere in their beliefs and is simply going along with a new religion or movement for the sake of social acceptance or other benefits. In some cases, the term may be used to imply that the person is a “convert” only in name and has not truly embraced the new beliefs and practices.
To “proselytize” means to attempt to convert someone to one’s own religious beliefs or to persuade someone to join a particular political party or group. This word often has a negative connotation, as it suggests an aggressive or unwelcome approach to convincing someone to join a particular group or belief system. For example, we can write: She often goes door-to-door in the neighborhood to proselytize her religion to others.