POVERTY STRICKEN Meaning and
Definition
-
"Poverty-stricken" is an adjective used to describe a person, group, or area that is affected by extreme poverty or lacks basic material resources and the means to meet their essential needs. It portrays an individual or a community facing significant financial hardship, scarcity, and deprivation.
This term conveys a state of severe economic deprivation, often characterized by inadequate access to food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education, and other fundamental goods and services. It suggests a condition where individuals or communities are trapped in a cycle of impoverishment, unable to improve their circumstances or break free from the persistent lack of resources.
The phrase "poverty-stricken" emphasizes the direness of the situation and the acute level of economic distress experienced. It suggests a profound level of financial instability, limited opportunities, and a lack of social mobility. Poverty-stricken individuals may face daily struggles to make ends meet and often have to prioritize basic needs due to limited resources. This term is frequently used in discussions and analysis related to development economics, social welfare, and poverty alleviation efforts.
In summary, "poverty-stricken" describes a condition of extreme poverty and deprivation, emphasizing the grave socioeconomic circumstances faced by individuals or communities lacking the necessary resources to sustain a decent standard of living.
Common Misspellings for POVERTY STRICKEN
- povert-stricken
- poverty-stricen
- poverty-strickken
- powerty-stricken
- poverty-strikken
Etymology of POVERTY STRICKEN
The term "poverty stricken" consists of two components: "poverty" and "stricken".
The word "poverty" originated from the Latin word "paupertas", which means "lack of means or resources". Through the evolution of the English language, the term "poverty" emerged in Middle English as "poverte". It has been used since the late 12th century to describe the condition of having scarce material possessions or insufficient income.
The word "stricken" is derived from the Old English word "strican", which means "to smite". The term gradually took on the meaning of "afflicted" or "affected by something". Combined with "poverty", "stricken" in "poverty stricken" implies being greatly affected or afflicted by poverty.
Therefore, the etymology of "poverty stricken" denotes a state of being strongly impacted or afflicted by poverty.
