What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beggar
Example
The beggar sat on the sidewalk, holding out a cup for donations. [beggar: noun]
Example
She had no choice but to beg for food to survive. [beg: verb]
pauper
Example
The pauper lived in a small, rundown shack on the outskirts of town. [pauper: noun]
Example
He became a pauper after losing his job and being unable to find another one. [pauper: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beggar is more commonly used than pauper in everyday language. Beggar is a term that is easily understood and used to describe individuals who ask for money or food on the streets. On the other hand, pauper is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beggar and pauper?
While beggar is commonly used in informal language, pauper is generally considered more formal. Pauper is a term that is often found in literature or historical contexts, while beggar is used in everyday conversations and descriptions of individuals in poverty.
