Origin: Latin suffix -ary
Missionary has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program
"The missionary traveled to remote villages to share their religious teachings and attempt to convert the locals."
someone sent on a mission--especially a religious or charitable mission to a foreign country
"The missionary traveled across the ocean to spread his faith and provide medical care to the remote village."
One who is sent on a mission.
"The new missionary was sent to teach in the remote village, carrying supplies and religious texts."
In plain English: A missionary is someone who travels to different places to share their religious beliefs with other people.
"The missionary traveled to different villages to share their faith with local people."
relating to or connected to a religious mission
"The missionary work in the remote village helped many locals learn about their new faith."
Relating to a (religious) mission
"The missionary school was built to serve the local community during their religious mission."
In plain English: A missionary adjective describes something related to spreading religious beliefs to people who do not yet have them.
"The missionary organization built several schools in the village to help educate local children."
The word missionary comes from the noun mission combined with the suffix -ary. It originally referred to someone sent on a specific task or errand.