Disciple vs. Discipline — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 27, 2024
A disciple is someone who follows and learns from a teacher; discipline refers to training oneself to follow rules or a code of behavior.
Difference Between Disciple and Discipline
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A disciple is an individual who follows and learns from a mentor or leader, embracing their teachings and principles. Whereas, discipline refers to a system of rules, training, or control used to regulate behavior or develop skills. Disciples often adopt the discipline advocated by their mentors, highlighting the interconnectedness of guidance and self-control.
While a disciple's journey emphasizes personal growth through guidance, discipline focuses on the process and methods that shape behavior and character. Discipleship involves a relational dynamic between the mentor and the learner, on the other hand, discipline can be both a personal practice and an external imposition.
Disciples are usually associated with religious or philosophical contexts, indicating a spiritual or ideological pursuit. Discipline, however, transcends specific domains, applying to educational, military, and lifestyle contexts, among others.
The relationship between a disciple and their mentor is characterized by loyalty, respect, and commitment. On the other hand, discipline requires consistency, dedication, and often, self-sacrifice, regardless of a guiding figure.
The growth of a disciple is often measured by their understanding and application of teachings, whereas the effectiveness of discipline is seen in the improvement of behavior, skills, or knowledge.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A follower of a mentor or leader
Training to follow rules or a code of behavior
Focus
Personal growth through guidance
Shaping behavior or skills
Context
Often religious or philosophical
Broad, including educational and lifestyle areas
Relationship dynamic
Between mentor and learner
Individual or imposed by others
Measurement of growth
Understanding and application of teachings
Improvement in behavior, skills, or knowledge
Compare with Definitions
Disciple
Follower of a mentor.
The disciples of the philosopher gathered to discuss his teachings.
Discipline
Training to follow rules.
Military discipline is rigorous and demanding.
Disciple
Adherent to specific teachings.
As a disciple of non-violence, he practiced peaceful protests.
Discipline
A branch of knowledge or teaching.
He chose to specialize in the discipline of marine biology.
Disciple
One who embraces a way of life.
Disciples of the movement dedicated their lives to community service.
Discipline
Self-control developed through training.
Her discipline in studying every day led to academic success.
Disciple
Student of a spiritual leader.
The sage’s disciples were known for their wisdom and compassion.
Discipline
Systematic method to improve behavior.
The school's discipline system was fair but strict.
Disciple
Learner in a religious or philosophical context.
Ancient disciples often traveled with their mentors for direct instruction.
Discipline
Punishment to correct disobedience.
The company's discipline policy for tardiness is clearly outlined.
Disciple
A personal follower of Christ during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles.
Discipline
Discipline is action or inaction that is regulated to be in accordance (or to achieve accord) with a particular system of governance. Discipline is commonly applied to regulating human and animal behavior to its society or environment it belongs.
Disciple
One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.
Discipline
Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement
Was raised in the strictest discipline.
Disciple
An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.
Discipline
Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order
Military discipline.
Disciple
Often Disciple One of the original followers of Jesus.
Discipline
Controlled behavior resulting from disciplinary training; self-control
Dieting takes a lot of discipline.
Disciple
Disciple A member of the Disciples of Christ.
Discipline
A state of order based on submission to rules and authority
A teacher who demanded discipline in the classroom.
Disciple
A person who learns from another, especially one who then teaches others.
Discipline
Punishment intended to correct or train
Subjected to harsh discipline.
Disciple
An active follower or adherent of someone, or some philosophy etc.
Discipline
A set of rules or methods, as those regulating the practice of a church or monastic order.
Disciple
(Ireland) A wretched, miserable-looking man.
Discipline
A branch of knowledge or teaching
The discipline of mathematics.
Disciple
To convert (a person) into a disciple.
Discipline
To train by instruction and practice, as in following rules or developing self-control
The sergeant disciplined the recruits to become soldiers.
Disciple
To train, educate, teach.
Discipline
To punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience.
Disciple
To routinely counsel (one's peer or junior) one-on-one in their discipleship of Christ, as a fellow affirmed disciple.
Discipline
To impose order on
Needed to discipline their study habits.
Disciple
One who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher; an adherent in doctrine; as, the disciples of Plato; the disciples of our Savior.
Discipline
A controlled behaviour; self-control.
Disciple
To teach; to train.
That better were in virtues discipled.
Discipline
An enforced compliance or control.
Disciple
To punish; to discipline.
Discipline
A systematic method of obtaining obedience.
Disciple
To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles.
Sending missionaries to disciple all nations.
Discipline
A state of order based on submission to authority.
Disciple
Someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
Discipline
A set of rules regulating behaviour.
Discipline
A punishment to train or maintain control.
Discipline
A specific branch of knowledge or learning.
Discipline
A category in which a certain art, sport or other activity belongs.
Discipline
(transitive) To train someone by instruction and practice.
Discipline
(transitive) To teach someone to obey authority.
Discipline
(transitive) To punish someone in order to (re)gain control.
Discipline
(transitive) To impose order on someone.
Discipline
The treatment suited to a disciple or learner; education; development of the faculties by instruction and exercise; training, whether physical, mental, or moral.
Wife and children are a kind of discipline of humanity.
Discipline aims at the removal of bad habits and the substitution of good ones, especially those of order, regularity, and obedience.
Discipline
Training to act in accordance with established rules; accustoming to systematic and regular action; drill.
Their wildness lose, and, quitting nature's part,Obey the rules and discipline of art.
Discipline
Subjection to rule; submissiveness to order and control; habit of obedience.
The most perfect, who have their passions in the best discipline, are yet obliged to be constantly on their guard.
Discipline
Severe training, corrective of faults; instruction by means of misfortune, suffering, punishment, etc.
A sharp discipline of half a century had sufficed to educate us.
Discipline
Correction; chastisement; punishment inflicted by way of correction and training.
Giving her the discipline of the strap.
Discipline
The subject matter of instruction; a branch of knowledge.
Discipline
The enforcement of methods of correction against one guilty of ecclesiastical offenses; reformatory or penal action toward a church member.
Discipline
Self-inflicted and voluntary corporal punishment, as penance, or otherwise; specifically, a penitential scourge.
Discipline
A system of essential rules and duties; as, the Romish or Anglican discipline.
Discipline
To educate; to develop by instruction and exercise; to train.
Discipline
To accustom to regular and systematic action; to bring under control so as to act systematically; to train to act together under orders; to teach subordination to; to form a habit of obedience in; to drill.
Ill armed, and worse disciplined.
His mind . . . imperfectly disciplined by nature.
Discipline
To improve by corrective and penal methods; to chastise; to correct.
Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly?
Discipline
To inflict ecclesiastical censures and penalties upon.
Discipline
A branch of knowledge;
In what discipline is his doctorate?
Teachers should be well trained in their subject
Anthropology is the study of human beings
Discipline
A system of rules of conduct or method of practice;
He quickly learned the discipline of prison routine
For such a plan to work requires discipline
Discipline
The trait of being well behaved;
He insisted on discipline among the troops
Discipline
Training to improve strength or self-control
Discipline
The act of punishing;
The offenders deserved the harsh discipline they received
Discipline
Train by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control;
Parents must discipline their children
Is this dog trained?
Discipline
Punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience;
The teacher disciplined the pupils rather frequently
Common Curiosities
How do disciples and discipline relate?
Disciples may adopt the disciplines or teachings of their mentors, reflecting the relationship between guidance and self-control.
How is discipline important?
Discipline is crucial for personal development, skill acquisition, and maintaining order within various contexts.
Is being a disciple limited to religious contexts?
While commonly associated with religion, discipleship can also pertain to philosophy, art, and other fields.
What defines a disciple?
A disciple is someone who follows and learns from a mentor or leader, often within a religious or philosophical context.
How does one become a disciple?
Becoming a disciple typically involves a commitment to follow and learn from a specific mentor or teacher’s principles.
Can discipline be learned or taught?
Yes, discipline can be both taught by others and developed personally through practice and commitment.
Can someone be a disciple of a discipline?
Figuratively, yes. One can dedicate themselves to mastering a discipline, much like a disciple to a mentor’s teachings.
Can discipline be self-imposed?
Yes, individuals can practice self-discipline, training themselves to follow certain rules or behaviors.
What is the goal of discipline?
The goal of discipline is to develop self-control, improve behavior or skills, and adhere to specific rules or standards.
Does discipline always involve punishment?
No, discipline is more broadly about training and self-control, though it can include punishment as a corrective measure.
Can the concept of discipleship apply to modern mentorship?
Yes, the principles of discipleship can apply to modern mentorship, emphasizing learning, growth, and guidance.
How do disciples differ from students?
Disciples often have a more personal and committed relationship with their mentors, beyond the academic focus of students.
What role does discipline play in professional life?
Discipline is key to professionalism, productivity, and adhering to workplace standards and ethics.
What are the benefits of discipline?
Discipline leads to improved behavior, enhanced skills, and achieving personal or professional goals.
Why is discipline important in education?
Discipline in education helps maintain order, fosters a conducive learning environment, and teaches students self-control.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
