Impecunious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impecunious
[ˌɪm.pɪˈkjuː.ni.əs ]
Definition
financial status
Having little or no money; penniless.
Synonyms
bankrupt, destitute, indigent, penniless, poor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impecunious |
Used to describe someone who has little or no money, often in a temporary situation. Common in formal or literary contexts.
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| poor |
General term used to describe someone who has little money. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversation to formal writing.
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| destitute |
Used to describe someone who is extremely poor and lacks the basic necessities of life. It has a more severe connotation than 'impecunious'.
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| indigent |
Often used in formal contexts to describe someone who is very poor and in need of assistance.
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| penniless |
Informal term used to describe someone who has no money at all. It often implies a temporary situation.
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| bankrupt |
Refers to a legal status where a person or institution cannot repay debts. It is commonly used in legal, financial, and business contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He was so impecunious that he couldn't even afford to buy food.
- The impecunious artist struggled to make ends meet.
- She grew up in an impecunious family, but worked hard to change her financial situation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term is often found in classic literature to depict characters in economic struggles, such as in works by Charles Dickens.
- Famous literary figures who are depicted as impecunious often highlight themes of perseverance in the face of adversity.
- Impecunious characters may also represent moral integrity, as seen in many stories where wealth corrupts.
Cultural Perspectives
- In modern times, society often romanticizes the lives of impecunious artists and writers, viewing their struggles as a form of authenticity.
- Cultural narratives around wealth and poverty vary, with some cultures glamorizing wealth while others valorize simplicity and humility in impecuniousness.
- In folklore, impecuniousness is often portrayed as a catalyst for personal growth and discovering true values in life.
Economics
- Economic theories often discuss the plight of the impecunious as a significant factor in understanding poverty and social mobility.
- Studies have shown that being impecunious can affect one's access to education, healthcare, and social services.
- In many societies, the plight of impecunious individuals highlights significant disparities in wealth and income distribution.
Philosophy
- Philosophers have debated the moral implications of being impecunious, often questioning whether wealth equates to happiness.
- Some philosophical movements, such as Stoicism, teach that virtue and character are more important than wealth, aligning with the experiences of the impecunious.
- The concept of 'noblesse oblige' connects to this word, suggesting that those with wealth have a responsibility to assist those who are impecunious.
Origin of 'impecunious'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Latin word 'impecuniosus', where 'im-' means 'not' and 'pecunia' means 'money'.
- The word has been used in English since the 17th century, reflecting societal views on wealth and poverty.
- Originally described a lack of cattle, which were a sign of wealth in ancient societies.
The word 'impecunious' originated from the Latin word 'impecuniosus', which is a combination of 'im-' (without) and 'pecunia' (money). It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The term has been used to describe individuals or entities with little or no money, highlighting their financial struggles and lack of wealth.