The word "orphanage" is spelled with six letters and is pronounced as /ɔːrfənɪdʒ/. The first two letters "or" make the vowel sound of "o" followed by the consonant sound of "r". The next two letters, "ph", together create the sound of the letter "f". The letter "a" makes the sound of "æ", and the final two letters, "ge", combine to produce the sound of "dʒ". This word refers to a place where children who have lost their parents or guardians are taken care of.
An orphanage is a noun that refers to an establishment or a home where orphaned or abandoned children are cared for and housed. It serves as a place of refuge for children who have lost their parents due to death, abandonment, or other circumstances that render them without proper guardianship. Also known as children's homes or foster homes, orphanages typically provide a range of basic needs and support to these vulnerable children.
Within an orphanage, children are offered a safe and stable environment, often under the supervision of caregivers or foster parents, who provide the love, protection, and guidance that a family would traditionally offer. These institutions aim to ensure that the children's physical, emotional, educational, and social needs are met, thereby enhancing their well-being and opportunities for a brighter future.
Orphanages often collaborate with local authorities, social workers, and organizations to find suitable long-term solutions for the children, such as adoption, reunification with family members, or fostering. They may also provide access to healthcare services, education, and vocational training, equipping the children with necessary skills for their future independence and self-sufficiency.
Throughout history, orphanages have played a vital role in societies, supporting children who lack familial stability. However, there has been a global shift towards more community-based care models that prioritize family preservation and integration, aiming to reduce the necessity of relying on orphanages and promoting the well-being of children within their existing social networks.
State of an orphan; an asylum for orphans.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "orphanage" originates from the Late Latin term "orphanotrophium", which means "refuge for orphans". It is a combination of the Greek words "orphanos", meaning "orphan", and "trophein", meaning "to rear or nourish". This term was later adapted into Anglo-Norman as "orphanage", and eventually entered the English language in the early 18th century with the same meaning.