tonsure
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈtɒnʃə/
KK: /ˈtɒnʃər/
noun
Definition
The act of shaving the head or part of the head, often done as a sign of religious commitment, especially for priests or monks.
Example
The monk wore a tonsure as a symbol of his devotion.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a tonsure before?
Yeah, I saw one at a monastery once; it was pretty interesting.
I wonder what it feels like to have a tonsure.
It must be quite different, especially with the sun shining on your head!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
shaving
baldness
clipping
Antonyms
fullness
hair
growth
transitive verb
Definition
To shave the head, especially as a religious practice or as a sign of devotion.
Example
The monk decided to tonsure his head as part of his commitment to the monastic life.
Tense Forms
Past: tonsured
Past Participle: tonsured
Conversation
Have you ever seen a monk after they tonsure their head?
Yeah, it’s quite a striking look, isn’t it?
I wonder what it feels like to have your hair shaved off like that.
Root Explanation
Tonsure → It is formed from "tondēre" (meaning to shear or cut) in Latin. The word refers to the practice of cutting hair, especially in a religious context, symbolizing a vow of humility or devotion.
Memory Tip
Imagine the act of 'cutting' ('tondēre') hair as a sign of devotion — that's why tonsure refers to this specific practice.
Visually Confused Words
untonsured
coinsure