monkery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low / ArchaicRarely used; when used, it is informal, humorous, pejorative, or literary/archaic.
Quick answer
What does “monkery” mean?
A disrespectful or contemptuous term for monastic life, monks collectively, or their behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A disrespectful or contemptuous term for monastic life, monks collectively, or their behaviour.
Used to describe foolish or silly behaviour, especially when imitative or thoughtless, akin to 'monkeying around'. May also refer to pretentious or hypocritical asceticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally archaic and pejorative in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use for both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary texts, but this is a marginal difference.
Grammar
How to Use “monkery” in a Sentence
Noun (subject/object): 'He criticized the monkery of the age.'Noun in prepositional phrase: 'a life devoted to monkery'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monkery” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or religious studies discussing critiques of monasticism.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If used, it would be humorous or intentionally archaic.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monkery”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monkery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monkery”
- Using it as a neutral term for monks or monastic life.
- Confusing it with 'monkey' (the animal) in meaning, though they are etymologically linked via the 'foolishness' concept.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. Both are thought to be connected through the concept of 'aping' or imitating in a foolish way. 'Monkery' mockingly compares monastic life to silly imitation.
Only with great caution. It is archaic and pejorative. Use it only if you are quoting a historical source or deliberately employing an archaic style for rhetorical effect.
Using it as a simple, neutral collective noun for monks (like 'a monkery of Benedictines'). This is incorrect; the correct neutral term is 'monastery', 'community', or simply 'monks'.
No, there is no standard verb form 'to monkery'. The related concept of acting foolishly is expressed by 'monkey around' or 'fool around'.
A disrespectful or contemptuous term for monastic life, monks collectively, or their behaviour.
Monkery is usually rarely used; when used, it is informal, humorous, pejorative, or literary/archaic. in register.
Monkery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌŋkəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “monkery and monkey (archaic: foolish behaviour)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MONK in a MONKEY suit, acting silly—that's 'monkery' (mocking monastic life or foolish behaviour).
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS PRACTICE IS FOOLISH PLAY (monkery as silly 'monkeying around').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the modern use of 'monkery'?