marist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “marist” mean?
A member of a Catholic religious order (the Society of Mary) or a person educated in a school run by this order.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of a Catholic religious order (the Society of Mary) or a person educated in a school run by this order.
Pertaining to the Society of Mary, its members, its schools, or its educational philosophy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties, tied to the presence of Marist institutions.
Connotations
Conveys a Catholic, private (often single-sex) educational background or religious affiliation.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language but higher in Catholic/educational communities in countries with Marist institutions.
Grammar
How to Use “marist” in a Sentence
[be] a Marist[attend] a Marist [school][teach at] a Marist [college]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marist” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He received a traditional Marist education in London.
American English
- The Marist High School team won the state championship.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical/religious studies contexts discussing Catholic orders.
Everyday
Used when referring to specific schools or alumni networks.
Technical
Specific term in Catholic ecclesiology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marist”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marist”
- Using 'Marist' as a common adjective (e.g., 'a marist philosophy' – should be 'a Marist philosophy').
- Pronouncing it /məˈrɪst/ (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a proper noun derived from a proper name (Mary) and refers to a specific organisation.
Yes. While historically male, there are also Marist Sisters and lay Marists of both genders. The term can also refer to any alumnus/alumna of a Marist school.
No, despite similar spelling. 'Marist' comes from 'Mary', while 'marine' comes from the Latin 'mare' (sea).
They are found worldwide, with significant numbers in former British and French colonies, the United States, and Europe.
A member of a Catholic religious order (the Society of Mary) or a person educated in a school run by this order.
Marist is usually formal, ecclesiastical in register.
Marist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛərɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛrɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Mary's-ist' – a follower or devotee of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFILIATION IS MEMBERSHIP (e.g., 'He is a Marist').
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Marist' primarily refer to?