French word

apôtre

Pronunciation

IPA/apotʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounapostle

Example

L'apôtre Pierre a prêché dans la ville.

The apostle Peter preached in the city.

Illustration for apôtre (apostle)

More examples

Il est un apôtre du végétarisme.

He is an advocate of vegetarianism.

Core concept

A fervent messenger carrying a belief or cause to other people.

Similar words

partisan: An active supporter of a particular side or group.
adepte: A person who favors, follows, and practices a particular belief or method.
disciple: A learner who follows the teachings of a master or leader.
défenseur: A person who protects or advocates for someone or an idea.

Definition in French

Personne qui promeut avec ferveur une idée, un mouvement ou une cause, par analogie avec les envoyés des premiers chrétiens.

Word origin

French apôtre comes through Old French and Latin apostolus from Greek apostolos, meaning a person sent out, and its circumflex marks the loss of an earlier s.

Usage tips

  • The figurative pattern is apôtre de followed by a cause, as in un apôtre de la paix, and it often has a lofty or slightly ironic tone.

Other meanings

  • evangelistnoun
  • advocatenoun
  • supporternoun

Opposites

  • opposantopponentnoun
  • sceptiqueskepticnoun

Word lists with this word