poverty
Meaning: The state of being extremely poor; a lack or deficiency of something
Poverty describes the condition of lacking sufficient money or resources to meet basic needs. It's used in discussions of social inequality and economic policy. The 'poverty line' is the minimum income considered necessary for basic living. Figuratively, 'poverty of imagination' means a lack of creative thinking.
Examples
- The charity works to reduce child poverty in urban areas. 该慈善机构致力于减少城市地区的儿童贫困。La organización benéfica trabaja para reducir la pobreza infantil en zonas urbanas.その慈善団体は都市部の子どもの貧困削減に取り組んでいます。그 자선단체는 도시 지역의 아동 빈곤 감소를 위해 활동하고 있습니다.
- Many families are living below the poverty line. 许多家庭生活在贫困线以下。Muchas familias viven por debajo del umbral de pobreza.多くの家庭が貧困線以下で生活しています。많은 가정이 빈곤선 이하에서 생활하고 있습니다.
- There was a poverty of original ideas in the discussion. 讨论中缺乏原创想法。Había una pobreza de ideas originales en la discusión.議論には独創的なアイデアが欠けていました。그 토론에는 독창적인 아이디어가 부족했습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French 'poverté', from Latin 'paupertatem' meaning 'poverty', from 'pauper' (poor), literally 'producing little', from 'paucus' (few, little) + 'parare' (to produce). Related to 'poor', 'pauper', and 'few'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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