discepolo

Discepolo is an Italian noun meaning a pupil, student, or follower who learns from a master or teacher and adheres to his teachings. It is commonly used for religious or philosophical followers but can also describe someone who follows a specific artistic or scholarly tradition. The feminine form is discepola; the plural forms are discepoli (masculine or mixed) and discepole (feminine).

Etymology and related forms: The term derives from the Latin discipulus meaning pupil or student, from discere “to learn.” In Italian, it has cognates in other Romance languages, such as Spanish discípulo and Portuguese discípulo.

Usage and nuance: In religious contexts, discepolo refers to the followers of a spiritual leader, such as i discepoli di Gesù. In secular contexts, it denotes a devoted follower of a particular school of thought or artistic tradition, implying a relationship of mentorship and allegiance rather than generic schooling. In contemporary Italian, discepolo is less common for everyday students, with allievo or studente often used in educational settings, while discepolo emphasizes loyalty to a mentor or doctrine.