Is a 'convent' the same as a 'monastery'?

No. A convent is specifically for women (nuns). A monastery is for men (monks). The term 'abbey' can be used for either, depending on the community.

Can 'convent' be used as a verb?

Yes, but it is extremely archaic, meaning 'to call together' or 'to assemble'. It is not used in contemporary English.

What is a 'convent school'?

A school, typically for girls, that is run by a religious order of nuns. These were historically very common in many countries.

Does the word 'convent' have any non-religious meanings?

Its core meaning is religious. The only other meaning is an obsolete one for a gathering or meeting, which is not used today.

Is “convent” formal?

Convent is usually formal, neutral in register.

How do you pronounce “convent”?

Convent: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnv(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnvent/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

convent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈkɒnv(ə)nt/US/ˈkɑːnvent/

Formal, Neutral

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “convent” mean?

A community of nuns living together under religious vows.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A community of nuns living together under religious vows.

A building or complex where such a community lives. Can also refer (archaic or formal) to a meeting, gathering, or assembly.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The noun 'convent' refers to a female religious community; 'monastery' or 'abbey' is used for males. The verb 'convent' is archaic. US usage may slightly favour 'convent school'.

Connotations

Christian religious life, seclusion, discipline, education (via convent schools).

Frequency

Comparable frequency in both varieties, perhaps slightly higher in historically Catholic regions.

Grammar

How to Use “convent” in a Sentence

the convent of + [Name/Order]a convent in + [Location]at the convent

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Catholic convententer a conventleave the conventconvent schoolconvent garden

medium

local conventold conventconvent buildingrun by a conventlive in a convent

weak

quiet conventhistoric conventconvent wallconvent lifenear the convent

Examples

Examples of “convent” in a Sentence

verb

British English

She will convent with her spiritual advisor. (Archaic)

American English

(Archived use) The council shall convent on the morrow. (Archaic)

adverb

British English

(No standard adverbial form derived from 'convent')

American English

(No standard adverbial form derived from 'convent')

adjective

British English

She had a convent education.
The convent grounds were peaceful.

American English

She attended a convent school.
The building had a convent-like atmosphere.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. May appear in tourism (convent tours) or real estate (converted convent).

Academic

Used in historical, religious, and sociological studies.

Everyday

Used when discussing religion, history, or education.

Technical

Specific in Catholic canon law and church architecture.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “convent”

Strong

nunnery

Neutral

nunnery cloisterabbey (if for nuns)religious community

Weak

retreat religious house

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “convent”

monastery (for men)secular worldlay society

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “convent”

Using 'convent' for a male community (use 'monastery').
Misspelling as 'covent' (except in 'Covent Garden').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. A convent is specifically for women (nuns). A monastery is for men (monks). The term 'abbey' can be used for either, depending on the community.
: Yes, but it is extremely archaic, meaning 'to call together' or 'to assemble'. It is not used in contemporary English.
: A school, typically for girls, that is run by a religious order of nuns. These were historically very common in many countries.
: Its core meaning is religious. The only other meaning is an obsolete one for a gathering or meeting, which is not used today.
: A community of nuns living together under religious vows.
: Convent is usually formal, neutral in register.
: Convent: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnv(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnvent/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Convent-bred”
“As quiet as a convent”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

CONVENT: A CONVENient place for a COMmunity of Nuns to live.

Conceptual Metaphor

A CONVENT IS A CONTAINER (for religious life, seclusion).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After much reflection, she made the life-changing decision to enter a .

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the most accurate definition of 'convent' in modern English?