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Hovel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hovel

[หˆhสŒvษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

small dirty house

A hovel is a small, dirty, unpleasant house, especially one that is in a bad condition. It is usually associated with poverty and lack of proper living conditions.

Synonyms

hut, shack, shanty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hovel

Note: This appears to be a repetition of the previous word and should be described the same way.

  • See the description and examples for 'hovel'
shack

A poorly built and run-down building, usually small and made with makeshift materials. It often has a negative connotation of being temporary or substandard.

  • He lived in a tiny shack by the river
  • The old fishing shack was falling apart from years of weathering
shanty

Refers to a crudely built dwelling, often found in informal settlements or slums. It carries a negative connotation related to poverty and lack of proper housing.

  • The shanty towns were overcrowded and lacked basic amenities
  • They put together a shanty with scraps of wood and metal
hut

Used to describe a simple, small dwelling, often made from natural materials like wood, grass, or mud. Commonly found in rural or wilderness areas.

  • They built a small hut to shelter from the storm
  • The tribal village consisted of several round thatched huts

Examples of usage

  • The homeless man lived in a hovel under the bridge.
  • She found shelter in a hovel at the edge of the forest.
  • The village was filled with hovels made of scraps and cardboard.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Charles Dickensโ€™ works, 'hovels' often symbolize the harsh living conditions of the poor.
  • The concept is reflected in many classic novels, depicting how social class influences living spaces.
  • Contemporary authors also use 'hovels' to represent struggle and resilience in urban environments.

Historical Context

  • During the Industrial Revolution, many workers lived in 'hovels' due to rapid urbanization and lack of affordable housing.
  • In the Victorian era, the squalor of such homes sparked public health reforms addressing housing conditions.
  • Hovels are often associated with the lower socio-economic classes, highlighting issues of inequality through history.

Cultural References

  • 'Hovel' appears in various songs and poems to convey feelings of hopelessness or discontent.
  • Visual artists have depicted hovels to capture the plight of the impoverished in society.
  • In folklore, characters connected with 'hovels' often face trials that lead to personal growth or social commentary.

Social Issues

  • Hovels raise awareness about homelessness and the need for adequate housing in modern times.
  • Many organizations work to improve living conditions for those in hovels, emphasizing human rights.
  • Urban development often aims to replace hovels with safer, more sustainable housing solutions.

Origin of 'hovel'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hovel' comes from Middle English 'hovel', meaning a small shed or dwelling.
  • Its roots may be linked to the Old English word 'hubbel', which referred to a small building or cabin.
  • The term originally referred to simple structures used by farmers for shelter or storage.

The word 'hovel' originated in Middle English from the Old French word 'hovele', meaning a hood or a covering. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a small, poor-quality dwelling. The concept of a hovel has been associated with poverty and destitution throughout history, often symbolizing the harsh living conditions of the less fortunate.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,797, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.