Poorer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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poorer
[ˈpʊərər ]
Definition
financial status
Having less money or fewer possessions than other people; of low economic status.
Synonyms
deprived, economically disadvantaged, impoverished, less wealthy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| poorer |
Used to compare someone's financial status with others or their past situation.
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| less wealthy |
A neutral way to describe someone who has fewer financial resources than others, often used in comparative contexts.
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| economically disadvantaged |
Used in formal or professional settings to describe those with limited financial resources, often emphasizing access to opportunities.
|
| deprived |
Used when someone lacks basic necessities such as food, shelter, or education.
|
| impoverished |
Often used to describe a severe state of poverty, sometimes with a focus on the result of specific conditions or events, and usually with a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He comes from a poorer background than most of his classmates.
- She felt poorer after losing her job.
- The poorer neighborhoods often lack access to quality education and healthcare.
- The country's poorer regions suffer from high unemployment rates.
- Despite being poorer, they are a close-knit community.
- They couldn't afford to buy a new car, so they settled for a poorer quality used one.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Economics
- According to global reports, income inequality has been rising in many countries, leading to more people feeling poorer than before.
- Policies aimed at reducing poverty often focus on education, health care, and job training to help individuals improve their financial situations.
- Being poorer can impact access to healthcare, education, and opportunities, fostering a cycle that is hard to escape.
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, being poorer affects not just money but also social status and community support.
- Historical contexts show that poorer communities often create strong social bonds to help each other survive.
- Art and literature frequently explore themes of poverty, showcasing its effects on individuals and societies, highlighting resilience and struggle.
Social Issues
- Poverty can lead to poorer health outcomes, as access to nutritious food, clean water, and safe living conditions may be limited.
- Children from poorer backgrounds are often at a disadvantage in education, leading to fewer opportunities in life.
- Social movements often advocate for the rights of poorer individuals, seeking to address systemic inequalities in society.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that being poorer can lead to increased stress and mental health challenges, as financial insecurity weighs heavily on individuals.
- The 'scarcity mindset' can impact decision-making, where focusing on immediate financial needs can overshadow long-term planning.
- Characteristics such as resilience and creativity are often found in those who have endured poorer circumstances, leading to innovative coping strategies.
Origin of 'poorer'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'poorer' comes from Old English 'arm', which means poor, and has roots in Germanic languages.
- It’s the comparative form of 'poor', used to compare two things -- saying one is in worse financial shape than the other.
- Related words include 'poverty' and 'poorness', which explain the state of being without enough money.
The word 'poorer' originated from the Middle English word 'pover', which meant 'lacking in money or resources'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, describing someone with limited financial means. The concept of poverty and wealth inequality has been present throughout history, with various social and economic factors contributing to the distinction between the rich and the poorer classes.