B1noun 10K+

Pauper

UK //ˈpɔːpə// US //ˈpɔːpər// Pronunciation

Definition

A person without money or means of support; a very poor person.

Listen to definition

In simple words: a very poor person

Examples

• The story revolves around a pauper who dreams of becoming a king.
• In the past, many paupers lived on the streets without any help.
• The play depicted the struggles of a pauper in a prosperous city.
• He was once a wealthy man, but now he is a pauper.
• Many paupers relied on the charity of the rich for survival.

Usage notes

Used in literary contexts or discussions about social class. It may sound old-fashioned in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'paw-per' - imagine someone without money having to beg.

Collocations

• pauper's plight
• pauper to prince
• living like a pauper

Synonyms

• beggar
• destitute
• needy
• impoverished

Antonyms

• wealthy
• rich
• affluent

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'paupers' as a singular term.
• Mixing up with 'poor' which is a more general term.