Poverty
/ˈpɒv.ər.ti/noun
The state of being extremely poor.
Did you know?The term 'poverty' has ancient roots connecting it to the idea of spiritual destitution, not just material lack, highlighting a deeper existential struggle.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pāu-
“to be few, small, or lacking.”
Latin
Latin
paupertās
“state of being poor, want, or need.”
Old French
Old French
povreté
“poverty, lack, or insufficiency.”
Middle English
Middle English
poverté
“the condition of being poor, lack of resources.”
Modern English
English
poverty
“the state of being extremely poor, often reflecting socio-economic conditions.”
Explore more surprising origins