beggar Definition
- 1a person, typically a homeless one, who lives by asking for money or food
- 2a person who is in extreme poverty
Using beggar: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "beggar" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The beggar on the street corner asked for some spare change.
Example
He was reduced to a beggar after losing his job and home.
Example
The city has a large population of beggars living in poverty.
beggar Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for beggar
- panhandler
- mendicant
- pauper
- vagrant
- poor person
Antonyms for beggar
Phrases with beggar
beggar belief
to be too extraordinary or impossible to believe
Example
The amount of money he spent on that car would beggar belief if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.
beggars can't be choosers
if you are in a bad situation and someone offers to help, you have to accept whatever they give you and shouldn't complain about it
Example
I know you don't like this job, but right now beggars can't be choosers.
to take something from one person or thing to pay another, leaving the first in a worse position
Example
The company was robbing Peter to pay Paul, taking money from one department to fund another and causing both to suffer.
Origins of beggar
from Old English 'bēġear', meaning 'one who begs'
Summary: beggar in Brief
A 'beggar' [ˈbɛɡər] is a person who lives in extreme poverty and asks for money or food. It is often used to describe homeless people. The phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' means that when someone offers help, you should accept it without complaint. 'Beggar belief' means something is too extraordinary to believe.
