Begging Meaning and Definition
Begging
Pronunciation
/ˈbɛɡɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun or Verb
A humble request or petition, often characterized by a lack of confidence or assertiveness, for something, especially money, food, or shelter.
Examples
- The homeless man stood on the corner, begging for spare change.
- She was embarrassed to be begging for help, but desperate to get back on her feet.
Synonyms
- Pleading
- Impregnating
- Supplicating
Antonyms
- Refusing
- Denying
- Withholding
Additional Information
In many cultures, begging is a common practice, especially among the impoverished or vulnerable populations. It can also be a gesture of gratitude or respect, as seen in traditional forms of petitioning or offering sacred objects to deities. However, begging can also be stigmatized or viewed as a sign of weakness or lack of self-sufficiency.
The concept of begging has been explored in various forms of art, literature, and philosophy, often serving as a metaphor for human vulnerability, morality, or the complexities of existence.
Etymology
The word “Begging” has its roots in Old English, where it was used as a verb meaning “to ask or petition humbly”. This sense has been retained in modern English, with the additional connotation of a lack of confidence or assertiveness.
Usage Notes
Begging is often used in everyday language to describe situations where one person is humbly requesting something, such as food, money, or shelter. It can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where one person is seeking something from another, such as a favor or assistance.
Cultural References
Begging has been a recurring theme in literature and art throughout history. Examples include Emma Lazarus’s sonnet “The New Colossus”, which describes a beggar woman who becomes the symbol of American freedom, and Jean-Paul Sartre’s play “No Exit”, where the character Garcin is forced to confront his own guilt and shame after pleading for forgiveness.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Beggar’s can’t be choosers”
- “A beggar’s life is not a long one”
Related Words or Phrases
- Impoverished
- Vulnerable
- Gratitude
Collocations
- ‘on the streets, begging’
- ‘for scraps, begging’
Frequency of Use
Begging is a relatively common concept in modern language, with a frequency of approximately 5.2 per million words.
Common Misspellings
- Beignging
- Bagging
- Beagling