Beggar: meaning, definitions and examples

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beggar

[ ˈbɛɡər ]

^{Context #1}

on the street

A person who begs for money or food, typically in a public place.

Synonyms

homeless person, mendicant, panhandler

Examples of usage

The beggar sat outside the supermarket, asking for spare change.
She felt sorry for the beggar on the street corner.

^{Context #2}

asking for help

To ask for money or food as a charity, typically in a humble or submissive way.

Synonyms

beseech, implore, plead

Examples of usage

He would often beg for food from his neighbors when he was hungry.
The children would beg for sweets from their parents.

Translations

Translations of the word "beggar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mendigo

🇮🇳 भिखारी (bhikhari)

🇩🇪 Bettler

🇮🇩 pengemis

🇺🇦 жебрак

🇵🇱 żebrak

🇯🇵 乞食 (kojiki)

🇫🇷 mendiant

🇪🇸 mendigo

🇹🇷 dilenci

🇰🇷 거지 (geoji)

🇸🇦 متسول (motasawel)

🇨🇿 žebrák

🇸🇰 žobrák

🇨🇳 乞丐 (qǐgài)

🇸🇮 berač

🇮🇸 betlari

🇰🇿 қайыршы (qayırshy)

🇬🇪 მათხოვარი (matkhvari)

🇦🇿 dilənçi

🇲🇽 mendigo

Word origin

The word 'beggar' originated from the Old French word 'begart', meaning 'mendicant friar'. It has evolved over time to refer to individuals who solicit charity in the form of money or food. Begging has a long history and is prevalent in many cultures around the world, often as a means of survival for those in need.