Missionary Meaning and Definition
Missionary
Pronunciation
/mɪˈsɪnjəri/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person sent to a foreign country by a church or religious organization to spread Christianity or other religious teachings.
Etymology
The word “Missionary” comes from the Latin “missio,” meaning “sending” or “mission,” and the suffix “-arius,” meaning “pertaining to.”
Usage Notes
Missionary is often used to refer to individuals who travel to distant lands to spread the message of Christianity or other religious beliefs. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any individual or organization that aims to spread a particular message or ideology.
Cultural References
Missionaries have been featured in literature and cinema throughout history. Examples include the novel “The Missionary” by Graham Greene and the film “The Mission” starring Jeremy Irons.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “On a mission from God” – an idiomatic phrase suggesting a strong sense of purpose or duty.
Related Words or Phrases
- Evangelist
- Apostle
- Minister
Collocations
- Missionary work
- Missionary trip
Frequency of Use
Missionary is a relatively common term in religious and cultural contexts, but its usage is not as widespread as some other terms.
Common Misspellings
- Missinary
- Missionery