Poor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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poor
[pสษr ]
Definitions
financial situation
Lacking sufficient money to live at a standard considered comfortable or normal in a society.
Synonyms
deprived, impoverished, needy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| poor |
Use when referring generally to people with low economic status or conditions that lack quality.
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| deprived |
Use when emphasizing the lack of essential resources or opportunities, often implying a sense of social injustice.
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| needy |
Use when referring to individuals or groups who require assistance due to lack of resources, often in a charitable context.
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| impoverished |
Use when highlighting a severe state of poverty, often with a focus on long-term or systemic issues.
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Examples of usage
- Many families in this area live in poor conditions.
- She grew up in a poor neighborhood where basic amenities were scarce.
quality
Of a low or inferior standard or quality.
Synonyms
inferior, shoddy, substandard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| poor |
Often used to describe a lack of quality, wealth, or standard, without necessarily being harsh or overly negative.
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| inferior |
Used in a comparative sense to indicate something of lower quality, rank, or status. This term can have a slightly negative connotation.
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| substandard |
Specifically points out that something does not meet the accepted standards or expectations, usually in a formal or technical context. It is typically negative.
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| shoddy |
Implies poor workmanship or quality, often with an implication of deceit or cutting corners. It carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The poor quality of the food made me sick.
- The film received poor reviews from critics.
person
A person or people who are poor.
Synonyms
disadvantaged, impoverished, underprivileged.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| poor |
Used generally to describe someone who has little money or resources. Can also be used in a non-financial sense to describe quality.
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| disadvantaged |
Used to describe individuals or groups who have less favorable circumstances, often beyond just financial issues, including education, social status, and healthcare.
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| underprivileged |
Typically refers to people who lack advantages and opportunities that others have, often in a societal or systemic context. Can relate to lacking education, safe housing, or employment opportunities.
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| impoverished |
This word emphasizes severe poverty and a lack of basic resources needed for living. Often has a sense of chronic or severe deprivation.
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Examples of usage
- The charity aims to help the poor in our community.
- He dedicated his life to helping the poor and disadvantaged.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economic Perspectives
- A study found that poverty affects decision-making, often leaving people with fewer choices and opportunities.
- Thereโs a commonly used term called the 'poverty line', which measures the minimum income needed for a basic standard of living.
- In many countries, poverty is defined not just by income, but also by access to health care, education, and social services.
Literature
- Famous novels like 'Les Misรฉrables' by Victor Hugo portray the struggles of the poor to highlight social injustices.
- Charles Dickens often featured poor characters in works like 'Oliver Twist' to shed light on the harsh realities of Victorian society.
- Contemporary literature continues to address poverty, exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and hope.
Cultural Impact
- In many cultures, being 'poor' can carry stigma, impacting social status and personal identity.
- Songs often discuss poverty, reflecting the emotions and experiences of those living in low-income situations, such as 'Fight the Power' by Public Enemy.
- Art movements, like Social Realism, have focused on depicting the lives of the poor and the struggles they face.
Psychology
- Research shows that poverty can lead to chronic stress, affecting mental health and well-being.
- The psychological impacts of growing up in poverty can last a lifetime, influencing personal development and relationships.
- Programs aimed at alleviating poverty often consider the psychological effects to ensure holistic support.
Origin of 'poor'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'pauper', meaning 'poor or needy', which can be traced back to around the 12th century.
- In Old French, it became 'povre', showing how language changes as it moves through cultures.
- Over time, the meaning expanded beyond finances to include emotional and social aspects of being lacking or unfortunate.
The word 'poor' has Old French and Latin origins, coming from the Latin word 'pauper' which means 'poor'. It has evolved over time to describe both financial status and quality. The concept of poverty has been a concern throughout history, with efforts made to alleviate the suffering of the poor in various societies.