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Beggar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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beggar

[หˆbษ›ษกษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on the street

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

Synonyms

homeless person, mendicant, panhandler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
beggar

Generally used to refer to a person who asks for money or food. While not necessarily negative, it can sometimes be perceived as insensitive.

  • She gave some change to the beggar on the street corner.
  • The city has many beggars near the subway station.
panhandler

Commonly used in North America, specifically to describe someone who asks for money in public places. Often carries a slightly negative or informal connotation.

  • Panhandlers are often seen near the busy intersections.
  • He was approached by a panhandler asking for spare change.
homeless person

A more respectful and accurate term that emphasizes the lack of stable housing rather than the act of begging.

  • A homeless person was sleeping in the park last night.
  • The shelter provides meals for homeless people.
mendicant

An older or more formal term that usually refers to someone involved in religious begging. Rarely used in everyday conversation.

  • The mendicant wandered from town to town, living on charity.
  • In medieval times, mendicants were common in many cities.

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 | Verb

asking for help

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

Synonyms

beseech, implore, plead.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plead

When someone is making an emotional appeal or a legal request.

  • He pleaded with his parents to let him stay out late.
  • The defendant pleaded not guilty in court.
implore

Used when someone is pleading with great emotion or desperation, often in situations with high stakes.

  • She implored the doctor to save her child's life.
  • He implored his friend not to leave the country.
beseech

Used in a formal or literary context, when making an earnest request or appeal.

  • I beseech you to reconsider your decision.
  • She beseeched him to stay a little longer.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Old English 'bcegan', which means 'to obtain' or 'to ask'.
  • In medieval times, beggars were often thought to be unfortunate souls who fell on hard times due to wars or plagues.
  • The act of begging has existed since ancient civilizations, indicating long-standing social issues related to poverty.

Social Issues

  • In many cultures, begging is linked to complex social problems such as homelessness, mental health issues, and income inequality.
  • Street artists and performers sometimes blur the line with begging, earning money through entertainment rather than direct requests for aid.
  • Different countries have varying laws about begging, with some places criminalizing it, while others provide support systems for those in need.

Literature and Art

  • The figure of the beggar is often used in literature to highlight themes of kindness, despair, or social critique.
  • Famous works like Victor Hugo's 'Les Misรฉrables' depict beggars to evoke empathy and illustrate societal neglect.
  • In Renaissance art, beggar figures appear in paintings to convey moral lessons, contrasting wealth with the plight of the poor.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often feel uncomfortable when giving or seeing begging, which can lead to a range of emotional responses.
  • The psychology behind giving is complex; some individuals feel guilt or a moral obligation to assist others, while others may feel resentment.
  • Research suggests that empathy can significantly influence the willingness of a person to assist those who are begging.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, beggars are seen as a necessary part of society, providing a visible reminder of economic disparities.
  • Street cultures in major cities often include networks of homeless individuals who support each other, forming informal communities.
  • Different societies treat beggars differently; some view them with compassion, while others may stigmatize begging as a failure to be self-sufficient.

Origin of 'beggar'

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.

See also: beg, begging.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,124, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.