ermites
Ermites is commonly a misspelling of eremites, the English plural of eremite. An eremite is a person who lives in religious solitude, withdrawing from society to pursue contemplation, prayer, and ascetic practice. The term comes from Greek erēmētēs, meaning “one who dwells in the desert,” and entered Latin and English through religious use.
- Eremite derives from Greek erēmētēs, via Latin eremita, and ultimately describes a solitary religious practitioner.
- In English, the standard plural is eremites; ermites is often considered a misspelling.
- Eremitism arose in early Christian monasticism, particularly among the Desert Fathers and Mothers who sought withdrawal
- The eremitic life stood in contrast to cenobitic monasticism, where monks live in community. Eremites often
- St. Anthony the Great is a well-known early exemplar of eremitic life.
- Other well-documented eremites include St. Mary of Egypt and St. Hilarion, whose stories shaped ideals of
- The eremitic tradition influenced broader Christian thought on ascetic practice and later monastic models, as well
- The term eremite is now largely historical or scholarly; in everyday language, hermit or recluse is
- The word is primarily encountered in theological, historical, and literary contexts.
- Hermit
Note: Do not confuse eremites with termites, which are social insects.