Word: indigent

Associations

The word "indigent" refers to someone who is very poor or lacking basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter.

• Example 1: "The charity helps indigent families in our city." (This shows how organizations support those in need.)
• Example 2: "Indigent people often struggle to find stable housing." (This highlights the challenges faced by those who are poor.)
• Example 3: "The lawyer took on the case pro bono to assist an indigent client." (This demonstrates how professionals sometimes offer their services for free to help those who cannot afford them.)

Here, a well-known synonym is "impoverished." However, "indigent" usually emphasizes extreme poverty and the lack of basic human needs, while "impoverished" can describe a broader state of reduced wealth or resources.

Substitution

You can also use words like:

• "poor" (a general term for lacking money or resources but doesn't highlight extreme need as much).
• "needy" (implies a lack of financial resources as well but can also be used in a less formal sense).
• "destitute" (emphasizes severe poverty, often suggesting a complete lack of basic necessities).

Using these words may change the emotional weight of the statement or the specific aspect of poverty being referred to.

Deconstruction

The word "indigent" comes from the Latin word "indigens," which means "needy."

• Root: "indigens" (from "in" meaning "not" and "agere" meaning "to act," thus "not able to act" or "lacking").
• Prefix: "in-" indicates negation.
• Suffix: "-gent," which denotes being in a state of something.

The historical context indicates deep socioeconomic challenges faced by individuals or groups throughout history, connecting the term to social justice issues.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you saw someone who might be described as indigent? What did you observe?
• How do you feel societies should respond to indigent individuals?
• In what ways can you or your community help those who are indigent?