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Pittance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pittance

[ˈpɪtəns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

salary, payment

A pittance is a very small or inadequate amount of money, often referring to a meager wage or payment. This term is often used to express dissatisfaction with the amount of money earned for work, highlighting the notion that the compensation is insufficient to meet basic needs. The use of 'pittance' emphasizes the stark contrast between what one deserves and what one actually receives in terms of payment.

Synonyms

crumbs, insufficiency, minimum, peanuts, trifle.

Examples of usage

  • After years of hard work, he only received a pittance as his salary.
  • The interns were paid a pittance for all the hours they put in.
  • Many workers complain that their wages are just a pittance compared to their efforts.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Charles Dickens' works, characters often lament their low wages, reflecting social inequalities and the plight of the poor.
  • The term is sometimes used in poetry to highlight the stark contrast between necessary funds and actual earnings.

Economics

  • Economists note that a 'pittance' can describe low wages that cannot sustain a basic standard of living.
  • Discussions about living wages often reference the concept of a 'pittance' to argue for better pay.

Cultural References

  • Movies and songs frequently depict characters struggling with a 'pittance', emphasizing themes of hardship and aspiration.
  • The phrase 'pittance for art' can describe how artists often receive little compensation for their creative work.

Origin of 'pittance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'pitance', meaning a small allowance for food.
  • In medieval times, 'pittance' referred to the charitable donations given to poor people for their daily meals.

The word 'pittance' derived from the Middle English term 'pitance', which referred to a small allowance of food or money. Its origins can be traced back to the late Latin 'pietantia', meaning a payment to a religious institution or for temporal needs. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify any small or meager payment, often laden with a connotation of unfairness or insufficiency. By the 14th century, it was commonly used in English to describe trivial amounts of money provided for labor or services, reflecting a longstanding recognition of economic inequality. The enduring nature of the term speaks to social issues related to wages and fairness, remaining relevant in discussions about labor rights and compensation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,871, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.