What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pauperise
Example
The economic policies of the government have pauperised many families. [pauperised: verb]
Example
The war has caused many people to be pauperised and left without basic necessities. [pauperised: past participle]
impoverish
Example
The drought has impoverished many farmers in the region. [impoverished: verb]
Example
The loss of his job has left him impoverished and unable to pay his bills. [impoverished: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impoverish is more commonly used than pauperise in everyday language and formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pauperise and impoverish?
Impoverish is more commonly used in formal writing or speech, while pauperise is more informal and less frequently used.
