apostle
gb/əpˈɔsəl/ us/əpˈɔsəl/
B2
English
~ 27900
szószóló, apostol, hirdető
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
an apostle of [idea/cause]
She became an apostle of sustainable fashion, urging companies to change their production methods.
A fenntartható divat szószólója lett, és arra sürgette a cégeket, hogy változtassanak a gyártási módszereiken.
The writer is known as an apostle of free speech and open debate.
Az írót a szólásszabadság és a nyílt vita szószólójaként ismerik.
As an apostle of digital privacy, he speaks at conferences around the world.
Many see her as an apostle of educational reform in the country.
He cast himself as an apostle of healthy living and clean eating.
Learner examples
He is an apostle of human rights.
Az emberi jogok szószólója.
Many people call her an apostle of peace.
Sokan a béke apostolának nevezik.
The mayor wants to be an apostle of change in the city.
She became an apostle of simple living after her illness.
They see him as an apostle of modern art.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "apostle" in this sense means only a religious leader. In modern writing, it is often used more generally for a passionate supporter of any idea or cause. Also, learners may confuse it with "disciple"; a disciple is mainly a follower, while an apostle is more strongly associated with spreading and promoting the message.
Meaning
strong promoter of an idea or cause
Collocations
apostle of peace
|apostle of nonviolence
|apostle of freedom
|apostle of democracy
|self-styled apostle
|modern apostle
Synonyms
advocate (Stresses publicly speaking or acting in support of something; slightly broader and more common in everyday use.)
|
champion (Emphasizes active, often heroic defense and promotion of a cause; less formal and more dynamic in tone than "apostle".)
|
evangelist (Originally religious, but now often used for someone who passionately promotes a product, idea, or method; can sound more informal or business-related.)
Antonyms
opponent (Refers to someone who is against a belief or cause rather than promoting it.)
|
critic (Highlights someone who finds faults with an idea or cause instead of supporting and spreading it.)
Themes
society
|politics
|beliefs
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A person who strongly supports an idea or way of life and tries to spread it to other people.
A person who energetically and publicly supports and works to spread a particular belief, idea, or cause.
NOUN
B2
2
apostol
B2
Usage pattern:
one of the twelve Apostles
According to the Gospels, Jesus chose twelve Apostles to be his closest followers.
Az evangéliumok szerint Jézus tizenkét apostolt választott ki legközelebbi követőiül.
The church windows show each of the Apostles holding a different symbol.
A templom ablakai az apostolok mindegyikét más-más jelképpel ábrázolják.
Peter is often described as the leading Apostle in early Christian tradition.
The artist painted the Apostles seated around the table at the Last Supper.
Each Apostle is remembered for a particular role in the spread of early Christianity.
Learner examples
Judas was one of the twelve Apostles.
Júdás a tizenkét apostol egyike volt.
The Apostle Peter is very important in Christian stories.
Péter apostol nagyon fontos alak a keresztény történetekben.
Jesus chose twelve Apostles to follow him.
In the picture, you can see Jesus and the Apostles.
The names of the Apostles are written in the book.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes write "apostle" with a small letter when referring to one of the specific Twelve; in religious writing it is usually capitalized as "Apostle." They may also confuse "apostle" with "prophet"; in Christianity, a prophet speaks God’s messages, while an Apostle is a chosen follower of Jesus who spreads his teachings.
Meaning
one of Jesus’s twelve main disciples
Collocations
the twelve Apostles
|the Apostles
|the Apostle Peter
|the Apostle John
|call the Apostles
|choose his Apostles
Synonyms
disciple (A more general word for a follower or student of a teacher; in Christian contexts it can refer to many followers, while "Apostle" usually refers specifically to the Twelve.)
Antonyms
nonbeliever (Refers to someone who does not believe in or follow Jesus, the opposite of a devoted follower like an Apostle.)
Themes
religion
|history
|core_vocabulary
Definition
One of the twelve main followers of Jesus Christ, chosen by him to learn from him and share his message with others.
Any of the twelve principal disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to follow him and spread his teachings, commonly referred to collectively as the Apostles.
NOUN
C1
3
apostol
B2
Usage pattern:
the Apostle [name]
Paul is often called the Apostle to the Gentiles because of his work among non-Jewish communities.
Pált gyakran a pogányok apostolának nevezik a nem zsidó közösségek körében végzett munkája miatt.
Early church writings describe how each Apostle traveled to different regions to preach.
A korai egyházi írások leírják, hogyan utazott el minden apostol különböző vidékekre, hogy prédikáljon.
Some Christian traditions recognize later saints as apostles because of their missionary work.
The letter is traditionally attributed to an Apostle who led a group of early believers.
The council affirmed his status as an Apostle with full authority to teach.
Learner examples
Paul is an important Apostle in the New Testament.
Pál fontos apostol az Újszövetségben.
Many Christians call him the Apostle to the Gentiles.
Sok keresztény a pogányok apostolának nevezi.
The Apostle traveled to many cities to teach about Jesus.
Each Apostle had a special area for his work.
The church follows the teaching of the Apostles.
Common mistake:
Learners may think this word only refers to the original twelve Apostles. In many Christian texts it can also include other early leaders, especially Paul, who are seen as being sent to spread the faith.
Meaning
early Christian missionary leader
Collocations
the Apostle Paul
|an apostle to the Gentiles
|apostolic authority
|called to be an apostle
|missionary apostle
Synonyms
missionary (A broader term for someone who travels to spread a religion; does not necessarily have the special authority or historical role suggested by "apostle."},{)
Antonyms
persecutor (In Christian history, refers to someone who harms or oppresses believers, the opposite role of an apostle who builds and teaches the church.)
Themes
religion
|history
|core_vocabulary
Definition
An early Christian leader who traveled to many places to teach people about Jesus and start new churches, for example the Apostle Paul.
An important early Christian leader or missionary, especially one believed to be sent by Jesus Christ to preach and establish churches, such as the Apostle Paul.
Grammar
Dictionary form
apostle
IPA
GB/əpˈɔsəl/
US/əpˈɔsəl/
Syllables & stress
apostle (1 syllable)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: apostle
- Plural: apostles
Word family
Forms
apostles
noun
Core family
apostolic
adjective
Related words
apostleship
noun
Advanced or less common
apostolate
noun
apostolically
adverb
Expressions
apostle of
1/əpˈɔsəl əv/
fixed phrase
formal
strong supporter of a belief or cause
Used before an idea or cause to describe someone who strongly believes in it and works hard to spread it.
Examples
- She is widely seen as an apostle of peace in the region.
- They praised him as an apostle of free trade and open markets.
- The author became an apostle of simple living after his time in the countryside.
the Twelve Apostles
1/ðə twˈɛlv əpˈɔsəlz/
fixed phrase
group of Jesus’s twelve main disciples
The group of twelve main followers that Jesus chose to be closest to him and to share his message.
Examples
- The painting shows Jesus at the table with the Twelve Apostles.
- Children in Sunday school learn the names of the Twelve Apostles.
- Many churches have stained glass windows of the Twelve Apostles.