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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.

beggar

/ˈbɛɡər/ /ˈbɛɡə/

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!

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