Beggarliness (/ˈbɛɡərlinəs/) is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being like a beggar, characterized by poverty, neediness, or desperation. The spelling of this word follows the typical English convention of adding the suffix -ness to the adjective beggarly (/ˈbɛɡərli/), which means poor or impoverished. The inclusion of the -ness suffix changes the part of speech from an adjective to a noun, indicating the condition or state of possessing beggarly qualities.
Beggarliness is a noun that refers to the quality, state, or characteristic of being a beggar or living in a manner typical to beggars. It encompasses the condition of being impoverished, destitute, or lacking basic necessities, often resulting in an individual's desperate reliance on others for financial support or handouts.
The concept of beggarliness can also extend beyond purely financial aspects to describe a general sense of utter deprivation or scarcity. It encompasses a state of extreme need or poverty, wherein individuals have limited or no access to resources and struggle to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
The term beggarliness also carries connotations of social marginalization and dependence, as beggars often face stigma and judgment from wider society. It characterizes a person's inability to provide for themselves or maintain self-sufficiency, frequently leading to a sense of powerlessness, humiliation, and vulnerability.
Moreover, beggarliness can extend metaphorically to describe the state of lacking dignity, self-respect, or an aspiration to improve one's circumstances. It implies a surrender to extreme adversity without any effort to better oneself or seek alternative solutions. In this sense, beggarliness is associated with resignation, hopelessness, and an absence of ambition or motivation to rise above challenging circumstances.
Overall, beggarliness denotes a state of severe poverty, dependence, and social exclusion, encompassing both material and psychological dimensions of deprivation.
Poverty; meanness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "beggarliness" is derived from the root word "beggar", which originated from the Old English word "béag", meaning "beg". "Béag" was further influenced by Middle English word "begger". The suffix "-liness" is added to "beggar" to create "beggarliness", indicating the state or quality of being a beggar.