Beggar - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A beggar is a person who asks for money, food, or other help from strangers, often because they are poor or homeless. The term can also describe someone who persistently requests favors.
Definition:
A person who lives by asking others for money or food.
Synonyms:
mendicant, panhandler, vagrant
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
benefactor, donor
Common Collocations:
street beggar, professional beggar, beggar’s bowl
Derivatives:
beggarly, beggary
Usage Tips:
Use "beggar" as a noun for someone asking for alms or as a verb meaning to reduce to poverty.
Common Phrases:
Beggars can't be choosers, play the beggar
Etymology:
From Old French "begart," possibly from "beg" (to beg) + "-ard" (pejorative suffix).
Examples:
- 1. The beggar sat quietly on the sidewalk.
- 2. She gave coins to the old beggar near the market.
- 3. War and famine can beggar entire communities.
- 4. Don’t be a chooser—beggars can’t be picky!