Definition

A person who is applying to join a religious group or order, often as a candidate for membership.

Example

The postulant spent a year in training before officially joining the monastery.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new postulant at our church?

Yeah, I saw them during the service last week.

I think it's great that they are considering joining us as a postulant.

Definitely! It'll be interesting to see how they fit in.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Postulant** → It is formed from "postulare" (meaning to demand or request) and the suffix "-ant" (indicating a person who performs an action). The word "postulant" refers to a person who is making a request or application, often in a formal context.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'requesting' ('postulare') something, and the '-ant' shows they are the one doing the requesting. This helps you remember that a postulant is someone who is applying or asking for something.

Visually Confused Words