Starveling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
starveling
[หstษหrvษlษชล ]
Definition
literary term
Starveling is a term often used in literature to describe a person who is very thin or emaciated, typically due to malnutrition or prolonged hunger. It can evoke a sense of poverty and neglect, often used to create a particular atmosphere in a story.
Synonyms
emaciated, gaunt, scrawny, thin.
Examples of usage
- The starveling beggar shivered in the cold.
- In the novella, the protagonist is a starveling child with dreams of food.
- The story painted a vivid picture of a starveling family struggling to make ends meet.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- William Shakespeare famously used the term in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' to describe a character who is thin and hungry-looking.
- In literature, 'starveling' often evokes pity and is used to illustrate themes of poverty and desperation.
- Various authors have depicted characters as 'starvelings' to symbolize the impact of famine and hardship on human dignity.
Cultural References
- In folk tales, a 'starveling' character may represent the consequences of greed or neglect, illustrating moral lessons.
- Some cartoons and fairy tales include 'starveling' figures who eventually become heroes or find prosperity, emphasizing the journey from scarcity to abundance.
- Starveling figures are sometimes used in modern media to represent social issues surrounding hunger and poverty.
Psychology
- Research shows that chronic hunger can significantly affect a person's mood and overall mental health, leading to feelings of despair.
- The psychological impact of starvation can lead to severe stress and anxiety, influencing behavior in social situations.
- Studies often link poverty, represented by figures such as 'starvelings,' to long-term psychological effects, including depression.
History
- Throughout history, the term has been used to describe the effects of famine during major events, such as the Great Famine in the 14th century.
- Social movements in the 19th and 20th centuries used the imagery of 'starvelings' to highlight poverty and drive for reforms.
- In various periods, political discussions about economic policy referenced 'starveling' conditions to address hunger and food security.
Origin of 'starveling'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'starveling' comes from the Middle English word 'starveling,' which is a blend of 'starve' and the suffix '-ling' used to denote smallness.
- In terms of origins, 'starve' itself has roots in the Old English โstyrfan,โ meaning โto die.โ
- The earliest recorded use of 'starveling' dates back to the 1400s, indicating long-standing awareness of hunger in society.
The word 'starveling' dates back to Middle English, originating from the term 'starvel', which means 'to starve'. The idea of being starved or thin is encapsulated in this term, which combines 'starv-' from 'starven' (to starve) and the diminutive suffix '-ling'. Historically, the term also had roots in Old English, where 'styrfan' referred to starvation. The usage of 'starveling' gained literary popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries, especially in the works of authors like William Shakespeare, where it was employed to describe characters in dire situations or to emphasize themes of hardship and want. Today, while it retains its literary charm, it is less commonly used in everyday language.