Noun
/monaˈɡiʎo/
The term "monaguillo" refers to a young boy who assists a priest during religious services, particularly in Catholic settings. In a broader sense, it can also refer to anyone who assists in a religious capacity. The word is primarily used in a religious context within Spanish-speaking communities.
In terms of frequency, "monaguillo" is more commonly used in spoken language, especially among families involved in church activities. However, it can also appear in written texts related to religion, such as articles, educational materials, or novels that include religious themes.
El monaguillo ayudó al sacerdote durante la misa.
The altar boy helped the priest during the mass.
Cuando era niño, yo también fui monaguillo en mi parroquia.
When I was a child, I was also an altar boy in my parish.
El monaguillo se olvidó de llevar el libro de oraciones.
The altar boy forgot to bring the prayer book.
While "monaguillo" is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, there are a few related phrases that reflect its context in a religious environment.
El monaguillo se metió en un lío, como perro en un garaje.
The altar boy got into trouble like a dog in a garage.
Siempre fue más monaguillo que hombre, se dedicaba solo a la iglesia.
He was more of an altar boy than a man; he dedicated himself solely to the church.
Buscaron un monaguillo para asegurarse de que todo estaba en orden durante la celebración.
They looked for an altar boy to ensure everything was in order during the celebration.
The word "monaguillo" is derived from the Spanish "monaguillo", which itself is derived from "monaguillo" (diminutive form of "monje", meaning monk). The use of a diminutive in this context suggests affection or familiarity, usually towards young boys who serve in the church.
Synonyms: - Acólito (acolyte) - Servidor (server)
Antonyms: - No hay un antónimo específico, ya que "monaguillo" es un término específico para el rol de un joven en el contexto religioso. (There is no specific antonym since "monaguillo" is a specific term for a young person in a religious context.)