Indigence

Noun

Definition: Extreme poverty or destitution.

Synonyms: Poverty, Pennilessness, Need, Deprivation

Antonyms: Wealth, Affluence, Prosperity

Examples:

His indigence forced him to beg for food.
The family's indigence was evident in their crumbling shack and threadbare clothing.

Mnemonics:

Think of "indigence" as "in-dig-ence," with "dig" reminding you of searching for food in the ground, symbolizing extreme poverty.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English "indigens," from Latin "indigentia," meaning need or want.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe extreme poverty or destitution.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"In the depths of indigence"

Explanation:

To emphasize being in a state of extreme poverty or destitution.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "indigence" with "indigenous."

Explanation:

"Indigence" refers to poverty, while "indigenous" refers to something or someone originating or occurring naturally in a particular place. These words have different meanings and should not be confused.