beggar
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈbɛɡər/
KK: /ˈbɛɡər/
noun
Definition
A person who asks others for money or food because they are very poor.
Example
The beggar sat on the street corner, hoping for some help from passersby.
Conversation
I saw a beggar on the street today asking for help.
Really? That's sad to hear.
Yeah, it made me think about how tough life can be for some people.
Absolutely, we should do what we can to help those in need.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pauper
mendicant
vagrant
Antonyms
wealthy
affluent
giver
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone poor or to exceed what is possible to describe or understand.
Example
The beauty of the sunset beggars belief, leaving everyone speechless.
Tense Forms
Past: begged
Past Participle: begged
Conversation
Have you ever seen a painting that just beggars belief?
Yeah, I saw one at the gallery last week that was stunning.
Art can really beggar description sometimes, can't it?
Root Explanation
Beggar → The word 'beggar' originates from the Old English 'begga', which means a person who asks for alms or charity. It is derived from the verb 'beggen', meaning to ask or request.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who 'asks' for help or 'requests' something — that's why a beggar is someone who asks for charity.
Visually Confused Words
begar
unbeggar
rebeggar
embeggar
seggar
begari
outbeggar
bear