pilgrim

Pilgrim (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does pilgrim mean?

A person who undertakes a journey, often a long one, to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion.
"A lone pilgrim stood by the ancient stone, lost in prayer."

Detailed Meaning of Pilgrim

The term is most commonly associated with the Christian tradition, where a pilgrim would travel to a holy site, such as the Vatican in Rome or the Holy Land in Israel. However, the concept of pilgrimage is also present in other religions, such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Pilgrims often undertake their journeys with a sense of devotion, humility, and sacrifice, seeking spiritual fulfillment and a deeper connection to their faith. They often engage in various rituals and practices, such as praying, fasting, and giving alms, along their journey.
The journey of a pilgrim is often seen as a form of spiritual discipline, a way to purify the soul and grow closer to God. Many people also choose to make a pilgrimage as a way of commemorating an event or a person, or to fulfill a promise. In general, a pilgrim is a person who undertakes a journey, often a long one, to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion, with the purpose of seeking spiritual fulfillment and a deeper connection to their faith.

Example Sentences for Pilgrim

1. The pilgrim began his journey at dawn, filled with hope.
2. Every path has its challenges, but the pilgrim remained undeterred.
3. Amidst the bustling crowd, the pilgrim found a moment of solitude.
4. For the pilgrim, the journey mattered more than the destination.
5. The old tree offered shade and rest to the weary pilgrim.
6. Each step the pilgrim took was a testament to his unwavering faith.

Origin and Etymology of Pilgrim

The noun 'pilgrim' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'peregrinus,' which originally referred to a foreigner or traveler from another land. 'Peregrinus' combines 'per,' meaning 'through' or 'across,' and 'ager,' meaning 'land' or 'territory.' Thus, it denoted someone journeying through foreign lands. Over time, as Christianity spread, 'pilgrim' came to represent a person who undertakes a journey, often a long and arduous one, to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion. This sacred journey might be to sites like Jerusalem or Santiago de Compostela. The etymology of 'pilgrim' reflects its historical association with religious pilgrimage, emphasizing the idea of traveling through unfamiliar territories and undertaking a spiritual quest in the process.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun pilgrim:

resident

inhabitant

local

traveler

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More Usage Examples of Pilgrim

1. The river whispered ancient tales to the listening pilgrim.
2. A pilgrim's backpack contains essentials, memories, and cherished beliefs.
3. In the village, the pilgrim found hospitality and heartwarming stories.
4. The pilgrim's eyes gleamed with the reflection of the holy shrine.
5. With a map and a mission, the pilgrim ventured into the unknown.
6. The mountain peak, a challenge to many, called the pilgrim closer.
7. Guided by the stars, the pilgrim navigated the vast desert.
8. The pilgrim shared tales of distant lands around the campfire.
9. At the monastery, the pilgrim sought wisdom from the elder monks.
10. Nature's beauty often brought tears to the grateful pilgrim's eyes.
11. The pilgrim's journey was a blend of introspection and discovery.
12. With every sunset, the pilgrim recounted the day's blessings.
13. Rain or shine, the pilgrim's spirit remained unbroken and determined.
14. The pilgrim often sang hymns, turning the path into a moving prayer.
15. Through forests and fields, the pilgrim continued his sacred quest.
16. A simple meal tasted divine when the pilgrim broke his fast.
17. The pilgrim's diary was filled with sketches, thoughts, and dreams.
18. By the oasis, the pilgrim rested, rejuvenated, and resumed his pilgrimage.