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Orphan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ถ
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orphan

[หˆษ”หrfษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

child

A child whose parents are dead or have abandoned them.

Synonyms

foster child, foundling, ward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orphan

Describes a child whose parents have both died. Often used in literature, social work, and discussions about adoption and child welfare.

  • After the tragic accident, he was left an orphan.
  • The orphanage took in orphans from all over the country.
foundling

An old-fashioned term for a child who has been abandoned by their parents and found by others. This term is rare and mostly used in historical contexts or literature.

  • The parish took care of the foundling left at their gates.
  • In the novel, the protagonist discovers they were a foundling raised by strangers.
ward

In legal terms, this denotes a minor placed under the protection of a guardian by the court. Common in legal discussions and court proceedings related to guardianship.

  • The court declared him a ward of the state.
  • She was appointed guardian of her young ward.
foster child

Refers to a child who is living temporarily with a family other than their biological parents due to various reasons like neglect, abuse, or death of parents. This term is often used in social services and family law contexts.

  • She has been a foster child for three years now.
  • The agency placed the foster child with a loving family.

Examples of usage

  • He was an orphan at the age of five.
  • The orphanage provided shelter for many orphaned children.
  • Being an orphan, he had to learn to be independent at a young age.
Context #2 | Noun

animal

A young animal that has lost its mother.

Synonyms

calf, cub, pup.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orphan

Used to refer to a child who has lost both parents, typically one who has lost them due to death.

  • She was an orphan taken in by a loving family
  • The war left many children as orphans
cub

Used to refer to the young of certain animals like lions, tigers, bears, and other carnivores.

  • The lioness watched over her cubs as they played
  • A bear cub follows its mother through the forest
pup

Typically used to refer to young dogs, but can also apply to young of certain other animals like wolves, seals, and some rodents.

  • The dog gave birth to a litter of pups
  • A wolf pup learns to hunt by watching its pack
calf

Used to refer to the young of large mammals like cows, elephants, or whales. This word is typically used in farming or when discussing wildlife.

  • The farmer took care of the newborn calf
  • A mother whale often stays close to her calf in the ocean

Examples of usage

  • The zookeepers took care of the orphaned baby elephant.
  • The orphaned kitten was adopted by a loving family.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, orphans have been depicted as heroes in stories, emphasizing their strength and resilience.
  • Historically, various civilizations took measures to care for orphans, showcasing societal responsibilities toward vulnerable children.
  • Some cultures have special festivals or days dedicated to raising awareness and support for orphans, reflecting community care.

Literature

  • Famous literary figures like Oliver Twist and Harry Potter became beloved characters, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of orphans.
  • The theme of abandonment and finding one's family is common in childrenโ€™s stories, resonating with the orphan experience.
  • Orphan characters often symbolize hope and the possibility of family, inspiring readers and audiences globally.

Statistics

  • As of recent estimates, over 140 million children worldwide are considered orphans, highlighting a significant global issue.
  • Many orphans face challenges like lack of access to education, health care, and emotional support.
  • Non-profit organizations work tirelessly to provide care and improve living conditions for orphans, aiming to give them brighter futures.

Psychology

  • Studies show that being an orphan can affect a child's emotional development, leading to feelings of isolation or abandonment.
  • Despite challenges, many orphans exhibit remarkable resilience and can thrive with proper support and love.
  • Therapeutic programs specifically for orphans focus on building trust and helping them form healthy relationships.

Origin of 'orphan'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'orphanos', which means ' bereft or lost.'
  • In Old French, it was 'orfeins', reflecting the ancient view of children without parents.
  • This term has been in use since the 13th century, showing its long history and importance in society.

The word 'orphan' originates from the Greek word 'orphanos', meaning 'bereft'. Throughout history, orphans have been a vulnerable group in society, often facing hardships and discrimination. Orphanages and foster care systems have been established to provide support and care for orphaned children. The concept of orphan animals also exists, highlighting the importance of caring for young animals who have lost their mothers.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,044, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.