What does "proselyte" mean?
One who has converted to a religion or doctrine, especially a gentile converted to Judaism.
Proselyte
/ˈpɹɑsəˌlaɪt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One who has converted to a religion or doctrine, especially a gentile converted to Judaism.
- Grammar: proselyte is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: accepter, apostate, apostle, backslider.
- Useful contrasts: deter, discourage, infidel.
- Usage evidence: The same law shall be to him that is born in the land, and to the proselyte that sojourneth with you.
How to use "proselyte"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "proselyte" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "proselyte" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "proselyte" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "proselyte" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accepter" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One who has converted to a religion or doctrine, especially a gentile converted to Judaism.
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves."
- 2 a new convert; especially a gentile converted to Judaism wordnet
Verb
- 1 To proselytize. transitive
Antonyms
Example
"The same law shall be to him that is born in the land, and to the proselyte that sojourneth with you."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "proselyte"?
Common synonyms include: accepter, apostate, apostle, backslider, believer, believer.
How do you use "proselyte" in a sentence?
The same law shall be to him that is born in the land, and to the proselyte that sojourneth with you.
How do you pronounce "proselyte"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɑsəˌlaɪt/.
Etymology
From Old French proselite, from Late Latin proselytus (“proselyte, alien resident”), from Ancient Greek προσήλυτος (prosḗlutos, “newcomer, convert”) (from πρός (prós, “to, towards”) and the stem -ηλυ- of ἐλήλυθα (elḗlutha), perfect of ἔρχομαι (érkhomai, “come”)), translation of Hebrew גר (ger) in the Septuagint translation of the Torah (e.g., Exodus 12:49); also used in Matthew 23:15, Acts 2:10, Acts 6:5.