A very poor person is most commonly referred to as a pauper. This term specifically denotes an individual who is extremely poor, often lacking any means of financial support or possessions.
Understanding the Term "Pauper"
The term "pauper" highlights a state of severe destitution, signifying a complete lack of resources. It describes someone who is in deep poverty, often reliant on charity or public assistance.
Related Terms Describing Extreme Poverty
While "pauper" is a broad term for extreme poverty, other terms describe individuals who are not only very poor but also lack a stable home or visible means of income, often leading a transient lifestyle. These include:
- Drifter: An individual who moves from place to place without a fixed purpose or permanent home.
- Floater: Similar to a drifter, implying a lack of permanent residence or strong attachments.
- Vagabond: A person, typically without a permanent home, who wanders from place to place.
- Vagrant: Someone who is without a settled home or regular employment and who wanders from place to place.
These related terms emphasize the migratory or unhoused aspect often associated with severe poverty, particularly when an individual lacks visible means of support.
Distinguishing Between Terms
It's important to understand the nuances between these terms:
| Term | Primary Connotation | Specific Aspect |
|---|---|---|
| Pauper | A person who is very poor, lacking all resources. | State of extreme poverty. |
| Drifter | A wanderer without a fixed home or discernible purpose. | Transience, lack of roots. |
| Floater | Someone without permanent residence, moving aimlessly. | Lack of stability, often without employment. |
| Vagabond | A person who wanders from place to place, often homeless. | Nomadic lifestyle, absence of a fixed dwelling. |
| Vagrant | Someone without a settled home or employment, often wandering. | Lack of residence and visible means of support. |
While all drifters, floaters, vagabonds, and vagrants are likely very poor, not all paupers are necessarily wanderers; some may be confined to a fixed location but still experience profound poverty. The core characteristic linking all these terms is a severe lack of financial stability and resources.
