Destitute Meaning and Definition
Destitute
Pronunciation
/dɪsˈtɪtjuɪt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person or animal that lacks everything essential for normal living, especially food, shelter, and clothing; someone who is poor and destitute.
Examples
- The charity helped the destitute family with food and shelter.
- The government launched a program to support destitute individuals and families.
Synonyms
- Poor
- Needy
- Footloose
Antonyms
- Rich
- Affluent
- Wealthy
Etymology
The word “Destitute” comes from the Latin “desitutus”, meaning “unprovided with”, and the English suffix “-ute”, which forms nouns indicating a state or condition.
Usage Notes
When using the word “Destitute”, it is essential to be sensitive to the context and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or stigmatizing those who experience poverty.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term “Destitute” has been used in various contexts, including literature, film, and music. For example, the novel “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck portrays the struggles of the destitute during the Great Depression.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Down-and-out” (extremely poor or destitute)
- “Struggling to make ends meet” (to be poor and destitute)
Related Words or Phrases
- Poverty
- Poorhouse
- Shantytown
Collocations
- “Destitute of resources”
- “Destitute of hope”
- “Destitute of support”
Frequency of Use
The word “Destitute” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe individuals or families struggling with poverty.
Common Misspellings
- Destite
- Disitute
- Destidute