What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beggar
Example
The beggar on the corner asked for spare change. [beggar: noun]
Example
She had no choice but to beg for food to feed her children. [beg: verb]
vagrant
Example
The police officer encountered a vagrant sleeping in the park. [vagrant: noun]
Example
He became a vagrant after losing his job and apartment. [vagrant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beggar is more commonly used than vagrant in everyday language. Beggar is a term that is widely understood and used to describe individuals who ask for money or food on the streets. In contrast, vagrant is less common and more formal, often used in legal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beggar and vagrant?
While beggar is typically associated with a more informal tone, vagrant is considered more formal. Beggar is used in everyday conversations and informal writing, while vagrant is more commonly found in legal documents or formal discussions about homelessness and transient lifestyles.
