Penuriously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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penuriously
[pəˈn(j)ʊərɪəslɪ ]
Definition
financial status
Penuriously describes an action or state that is marked by extreme poverty or a lack of funds. It can also refer to the act of being miserly or unwilling to spend money. In this sense, it emphasizes a severe level of deprivation or frugality. When someone behaves penuriously, they might avoid any unnecessary expenditure and live on the bare minimum.
Synonyms
impoverished, needy, stingily.
Examples of usage
- She lived penuriously, counting every penny.
- His penurious habits made it difficult to maintain friendships.
- Despite his penurious lifestyle, he always found joy in simple things.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Many famous philosophers and writers lived penuriously, influencing their works that often criticized wealth and prompted social change.
- During the Great Depression, many experienced penurious living, which led to significant reforms in economic policy.
- Penurious lifestyles have historically been depicted in literature to expose the struggles of the lower classes.
Psychology
- Living penuriously can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress, affecting mental health and overall well-being.
- Research shows that financial insecurity can shape behavior and priorities, making individuals overly cautious with resources.
- Psychologists study how growing up in penurious conditions can influence future attitudes towards wealth and spending.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, being penurious is often portrayed with a noble spirit, emphasizing resilience and resourcefulness.
- Folktales around the world often include penurious characters who embody wisdom and cleverness in the face of adversity.
- Social narratives around penury vary greatly, influencing public perception and societal views of wealth distribution.
Literature
- Classic novels often feature penurious characters to explore themes of struggle, survival, and the human spirit.
- In modern literature, authors may use penury as a backdrop to critique consumerist societies and the nature of happiness.
- The use of penurious detail in character descriptions can evoke sympathy and provoke thought about economic inequalities.
Origin of 'penuriously'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'penuria,' meaning 'poverty' or 'lack.'
- It first appeared in the English language around the late 19th century, highlighting social conditions of that time.
- Related words include 'penury' which reflects the state of being extremely poor.
The word 'penuriously' originates from the Latin term 'penuria,' which means 'poverty' or 'lack.' The outline of this term evolved into the modern construction during the late Middle Ages, reflecting the social conditions of the time. During this period, the concept of poverty was closely associated with social status and personal worth. The use of 'penurious' in English literature began to rise in the 19th century, as writers sought to explore themes of economic struggle and the moral implications of wealth. Today, 'penuriously' illustrates the persistent societal issue of financial hardship.