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marabout

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈmærəˌbuː/

KK: /ˈmɛrəˌbu/

noun
Definition

A religious figure in Islam, often a hermit or saint, who is respected for their spiritual wisdom, especially found in northern Africa.


Example

The villagers often visit the marabout to seek blessings and guidance.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever visited a marabout while traveling in North Africa?
Sloth B
No, I haven’t, but I've heard they are fascinating places.
Sloth A
Yeah, I read that a marabout is often a site of pilgrimage for many people.
Sloth B
That sounds really interesting; I’d love to learn more about their history.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
saint
hermit
dervish
Antonyms
sinner
layman
commoner
Root Explanation

Marabout → The word originates from Arabic "مَرَابِط" (marābiṭ), meaning a place of retreat or a religious sanctuary. It refers to a Muslim religious leader or a saint, often associated with a shrine or a place of worship.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'place of retreat' in a religious context, which helps you remember that a marabout is a religious leader or a saint associated with a sanctuary.

Visually Confused Words
nearabout
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