BE PENNILESS Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "be penniless" refers to a state of extreme financial destitution, complete absence of money, or lacking any means of monetary resources. It describes a condition in which an individual or entity possesses no funds, assets, or wealth, leaving them in a state of utter poverty or complete emptiness in terms of financial provisions.
When one is penniless, they are incapable of affording even the most basic necessities of life such as food, shelter, clothing, or medicine. They lack the means to pay off debts, fulfill obligations, or secure their immediate and future needs. Being penniless typically implies a lack of employment, sustainable income sources, or any monetary assistance available to them.
This state of financial destitution can have a profound impact on an individual's life, often leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and an inability to maintain a minimal standard of living. Those who find themselves penniless may resort to seeking help from charitable organizations, government assistance programs, or relying on the goodwill of friends and family to survive.
While the term "penniless" strictly refers to a complete lack of money, it is also used more broadly to describe a state of extreme poverty or financial hardship that extends beyond being completely devoid of funds. Overall, being penniless signifies an impoverished condition that leaves an individual bereft of the means necessary to sustain themselves and meet their financial obligations.
Etymology of BE PENNILESS
The word "penniless" dates back to the mid-16th century and is derived from the combination of two words: "penny" and "less".
"Penny" originated from the Old English word "pening", which referred to a small unit of currency. This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "panningaz", meaning "coin". Over time, "penny" became the standard term for a monetary unit in many English-speaking countries.
The suffix "less" is added to the word "penny" to create "penniless", which means completely lacking in money or funds. The addition of "less" indicates the absence or absence of something. Thus, "penniless" essentially means being without pennies or broke, emphasizing the state of having no money.
