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Beggarly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Beggarly means extremely poor or inadequate, often suggesting a pitiful or contemptible lack of resources or quality. It can describe both financial poverty and something meager or worthless.

beggarly

/ˈbɛɡərli/ /ˈbɛɡəli/

Definition:

Extremely poor or meager in quality or quantity, resembling a beggar.

Synonyms:

meager, paltry, pitiful, miserly

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

generous, lavish

Common Collocations:

beggarly wages, beggarly appearance, beggarly sum

Derivatives:

beggar, beggarliness

Usage Tips:

Use "beggarly" to describe something pitifully inadequate or ungenerous in amount or quality.

Common Phrases:

beggarly sum, live a beggarly existence

Etymology:

Derived from "beggar," originating from Old French "begart," meaning one who begs.

Examples:

  • 1. The landlord offered a beggarly sum for the damaged property.
  • 2. His beggarly wages barely covered his basic needs.
  • 3. She refused the beggarly portion of food with disdain.
  • 4. Their efforts were rewarded with only a beggarly acknowledgment.

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