Meaning & use
disciples
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“disciples” is a form of “disciple”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
The followers of a religious teacher, especially the original followers of Jesus.
Grammar: This is the plural form; the singular is 'disciple', used for one follower.
Patterns
- the disciples of someone
- someone's disciples
The disciples traveled with Jesus and learned from his teaching.
After the sermon, the disciples gathered to discuss what they had heard.
Many early disciples were ordinary fishermen.
nounplural
People who strongly support and spread the ideas of a leader, teacher, or movement.
Grammar: Used for a group of loyal followers; the singular 'disciple' refers to one such person.
Patterns
- a disciple of someone
- disciples of a movement
The philosopher's disciples continued to promote his theories after his death.
She became one of the most devoted disciples of the new art movement.
The political leader surrounded himself with disciples who repeated his every word.
Word forms
| singular | disciple |
|---|
Common combinations
- a disciple of
- He was a disciple of the famous economist.
- devoted disciples
- The guru had a small group of devoted disciples.
- the twelve disciples
- In the Bible, the twelve disciples were Jesus's closest followers.
Synonyms and how they differ
- followers
- More general; can refer to anyone who supports a person or idea, not just religious or philosophical students.
- adherents
- Formal; often used for supporters of a political party or belief system, not usually for religious students.
- students
- Focuses on learning from a teacher, but does not imply the strong loyalty and spreading of ideas that 'disciples' does.
Opposites
Word family
- disciple noun
- A single follower or student of a religious or philosophical leader.
- discipleship noun
- The state or role of being a disciple; the practice of following a teacher.
Commonly confused: disciples or disciplines?
disciples vs disciplines
Sounds similar but means areas of study or fields of knowledge, or training that improves behavior.
Practice
In the Bible, Jesus had twelve close followers called his ___.
Choose one answer.
The plural noun 'disciples' correctly refers to the group of followers. 'Disciple' is singular and would need 'a' or 'one'; 'disciplines' means fields of study; 'disciples'' is a possessive form and does not fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “disciples”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.