poverty
poverty
Pronunciation
pɒvəti /ˈpɒvətɪ/
pov (ˈpɒv)
/ˈ/: primary stress on the first syllable
ɒ/: short "o" sound like in "cot"
v/: voiced bilabial fricative (sound created by bringing your upper teeth close to your lower lip and forcing air through)
er (ə)
ə/: schwa sound, a central vowel sound like the neutral "uh"
ty (ti)
t/: voiceless alveolar plosive (stop consonant made by stopping the airflow with your tongue behind your upper front teeth)
i/: short "ee" sound like in "beat"
This is the pronunciation for British English. American English pronunciation might differ slightly with a longer "ah" sound in the first syllable: /ˈpɑːvɚti/.
Word Form Variations
Poverty itself is a bit of a unique case.
Poverty is primarily uncountable. This means it refers to a general state of being poor and doesn't typically have a plural form. You'd say "There is a lot of poverty in the world" rather than "There are many poverties."
However, in very specific contexts, the plural form "poverties" can be used. This might be the case if you're discussing different types of poverty or a historical analysis of poverty throughout different eras. It's less common in everyday speech.
Here are some related terms with different forms:
Adjective: Poverty-stricken (singular and plural) - describes someone or something deeply affected by poverty.
Phrases: Poverty line (singular) - the income level considered the minimum needed for basic necessities. Poverty trap (singular) - a situation where poverty makes it difficult to escape poverty. Anti-poverty (adjective) - used to describe programs or initiatives aimed at reducing poverty.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: The state of being poor; the lack of money and resources to meet basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare.
Synonyms: Destitution, indigence, penury, neediness, want, hardship.
Antonyms: Affluence, wealth, prosperity, abundance, security.
Adjective: (Less common, but can be used)
Definition: Lacking sufficient financial resources; characterized by poverty.
Synonyms: Destitute, indigent, impoverished, underprivileged, disadvantaged.
Antonyms: Wealthy, affluent, prosperous, well-off, privileged.
Examples of Use
Literature:
Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist paints a grim picture of 19th-century London poverty, with orphans struggling for survival ([Book]).
Newspapers:
A headline might read: "New Report Shows Rise in Poverty Rates Across the Country" ([Newspaper]).
Online Publications:
An article on a non-profit website could discuss "The Impact of Poverty on Education" ([Online Publication]).
Entertainment Mediums:
A character in a movie might be described as "poverty-stricken" after losing their job ([Movie]).
A documentary on global issues might explore "The Causes of Poverty in Developing Nations" ([Documentary]).
Public Discourse:
A politician might give a speech about creating "Policies to Reduce Poverty and Inequality" ([Speech]).
A community discussion might address "The Challenges of Living in Poverty" ([Community Discussion]).
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Poverty
"Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime." - Aristotle (Greek philosopher)
"The greatest disease in the West today is not tuberculosis or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for." - Mother Teresa (Missionary and Saint) This quote speaks to a broader definition of poverty beyond just material lack
"In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of." - Confucius (Chinese teacher and philosopher) This quote highlights the role of leadership in addressing poverty
"The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is enough." - Dr. Wess Stafford (President Emeritus of Compassion International) This quote suggests that poverty is not just about the absence of great wealth, but about having enough to live with dignity
"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty." - Mother Teresa (Missionary and Saint) This quote emphasises the emotional and social aspects of poverty
"Poverty is not an accident. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings." - Nelson Mandela (South African revolutionary and philanthropist) This quote suggests that poverty is a solvable problem
"An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics." - Plutarch (Greek historian) This quote warns of the dangers of unchecked inequality
"We are the first generation that can end poverty." - Ban Ki-moon (Former Secretary-General of the United Nations) This quote expresses hope for the possibility of eradicating poverty
"Poverty is the thief of dreams." (Unknown) This quote highlights the way poverty can limit opportunities
"A man isn't poor if he can still laugh." - Seneca (Roman Stoic philosopher) This quote suggests that poverty does not have to diminish someone's spirit
Etymology
TThe word "poverty" is like a hand-me-down that travelled through a few languages before landing in English. It all started with the Latin word "pauper," which simply meant "poor."
Fast forward a bit, and Old French borrowed "pauper" and turned it into "povertas" (pronounced kind of like "poh-vair-tah"). This French word emphasised the state of being poor, not just the person themselves.
Finally, sometime in the 12th century, English borrowed "povertas" from French and tweaked it slightly to become "poverty." So, the core meaning of "lack of money and resources" has been with the word since its French origin.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Poverty
Common Phrases:
Live hand to mouth: Barely have enough money to survive.
Below the poverty line: Earning less than the minimum income considered necessary.
In poverty: Experiencing a lack of resources and basic necessities.
The cycle of poverty: A situation where it's difficult to escape poverty due to limited opportunities.
The working poor: People who have jobs but still struggle to afford basic needs.
Idioms:
As poor as a church mouse: Extremely poor.
Down on one's luck: Experiencing a temporary period of poverty or misfortune.
Hard up: In a difficult financial situation.
Can't afford the salt on your fries: Can't afford even a small expense.
Scraping by: Barely managing to survive financially.
On the breadline: At risk of poverty or hunger.
Posts Related to Poverty
Source Information
Definition of poverty from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.