Definition

A person who is part of a Muslim religious group known for their energetic and often ecstatic practices, including dancing and chanting.

Example

The dervish spun gracefully in the center of the room, lost in a trance of devotion.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a dervish dance?

No, I haven't! What’s it like?

It's quite mesmerizing; they spin around while chanting.

That sounds amazing! I’d love to experience that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dervish originates from Persian 'darvīsh' (meaning a poor or needy person), which refers to a member of a Sufi religious order known for their ascetic lifestyle and often characterized by their ecstatic practices. The term has been adopted into English to describe these mystics, particularly those who engage in whirling dances as a form of devotion.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'poor or needy person' in a spiritual context — that's what a dervish represents, often seen as someone devoted to a mystical path.

Visually Confused Words