What does indigence mean Meaning and Definition
What does indigence mean
Pronunciation
/ˈɪndɪdʒəns/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The state of being, or a condition of being, miserably poor; destitution, poverty, or beggary; the quality or condition of being impoverished; a lack of necessities or comforts.
Examples
- The charity provided aid to those in indigence during the natural disaster.
- The poverty-stricken community struggled with indigence and lacked access to basic necessities.
Synonyms
- Poverty
- Pennilessness
- Destitution
Antonyms
- Wealth
- Affluence
- Absence of poverty
Etymology
The word ‘indigence’ originates from the Latin ‘indigentia,’ meaning ‘necessity’ or ‘want.’ It has its roots in the Latin verb ‘indigere,’ which means ‘to be in need of’ or ‘to lack.’
Usage Notes
Indigence is often used to describe the state of being poor, impoverished, or destitute. It can also imply a lack of resources, necessities, or comforts.
Cultural References
Indigence has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, film, and theater, often to convey the struggles and hardships of characters facing poverty or destitution.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To live in indigence: to struggle to survive on a very limited income
- Beneath indigence: extremely poor or destitute
Related Words or Phrases
- Poverty
- Penury
- Destitution
Collocations
- people in indigence
- the indigence of the community
- struggle with indigence
Frequency of Use
Indigence is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it is often used in formal or academic writing to describe poverty or destitution.
Common Misspellings
- indgence
- inidence