Hermit vs. Ascetic — What's the Difference?

A hermit, or eremite (adjectival form: hermitic or eremitic), is a person who lives in seclusion. Hermits are a part of several sections of various religions and this concept has garnered significant attention and importance.

Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons

A person living in solitude as a religious discipline.

A person who follows an ascetic life.

A hummingbird found in the shady lower layers of tropical forests, foraging along a regular route.

A person who renounces material comforts and leads a life of austere self-discipline, especially as an act of religious devotion.

A person who has withdrawn from society and lives a solitary existence; a recluse.

Relating to, characteristic of, or leading a life of self-discipline and self-denial, especially for spiritual improvement.

A cookie made with molasses, raisins, and nuts.

Of or relating to ascetics

A religious recluse; someone who lives alone for religious reasons; an eremite.

Characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.

A recluse; someone who lives alone and shuns human companionship.

One who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.

A spiced cookie made with molasses, raisins, and nuts.

Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere; severe.

A hermit crab.

In the early church, one who devoted himself to a solitary and contemplative life, characterized by devotion, extreme self-denial, and self-mortification; a hermit; a recluse; hence, one who practices extreme rigor and self-denial in religious things.

Any in the subfamily Phaethornithinae of hummingbirds.

Practices self denial as spiritual discipline

A person who retires from society and lives in solitude; a recluse; an anchoret; especially, one who so lives from religious motives.

Pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline;

A beadsman; one bound to pray for another.

Practicing great self-denial;

A spiced molasses cookie, often containing chopped raisins and nuts.

One retired from society for religious reasons

One who lives in solitude