Meaning & use
acolyte
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Meanings
nouncountable
A devoted follower or assistant who loyally supports a leader, teacher, or cause.
Grammar: Takes an article and plural: an acolyte of the mayor; several acolytes.
Patterns
- an acolyte of someone
- acolytes of a cause
- a devoted acolyte
The senator was surrounded by acolytes who repeated her talking points.
He began as an acolyte of the famous chef and later opened his own restaurant.
nouncountablereligion
An assistant who helps a priest or minister during a church service.
Grammar: Mostly religious; in general use it can sound formal or old-fashioned.
Patterns
- serve as an acolyte
- an acolyte at Mass
The acolyte carried the candles into the chapel.
She trained as an acolyte before becoming more involved in parish life.
Common combinations
- devoted acolyte
- A devoted acolyte defended the professor's theory in every debate.
- acolyte of a leader
- The campaign feared that one error would be mocked by critics and acolytes of a leader alike.
- political acolytes
- Political acolytes often quote slogans before checking the details.
Synonyms and how they differ
- follower
- Follower is neutral; acolyte suggests especially eager or service-minded support.
- disciple
- Disciple can imply learning a teaching, while acolyte stresses loyal service or admiration.
- assistant
- Assistant is the plain job word and lacks the devotion implied by acolyte.
Opposites
Commonly confused: acolyte or apostle?
acolyte vs apostle
An apostle is a messenger or early advocate, often religious or promotional; an acolyte is a helper or devoted supporter.
Practice
Choose the best sentence.
Choose one answer.
Acolyte is a countable noun for a follower or helper. Option 0 is grammatical; the others use it as a verb or with the wrong structure.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “acolyte”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.