Reading Theme:
Welfare Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：government assistance (welfare)
welfare
/ˈwelfer/
n.
Help such as money, food, or medical care provided by the government to people in need, like those who are poor, sick, or jobless.
government assistance
➕
/ˈɡʌvərnmənt əˈsɪstəns/
n.
Financial or material aid provided by the state to support individuals in need.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'wel' (well) + 'faran' (to go, fare), meaning 'condition of doing well'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'well-fare' – when you fare well, you have good welfare, like health and happiness.
📖 Example
Many families rely on welfare payments to cover their basic living costs like rent and groceries.
Numerous households depend on welfare benefits for essentials such as housing and food.
🔗 Collocations
welfare state – a system where the government provides social services
welfare benefits – financial aid given by the government
on welfare – receiving government assistance
🔄 Synonyms
benefits (n.) – payments or services provided by the government
aid (n.) – help or support, especially financial
assistance (n.) – the act of helping or supporting
🚫 Antonyms
self-reliance (n.) – the ability to depend on oneself without external help
🌱 Derivatives
welfarism (n.) – the principles or policies of providing welfare
📖 Cultural Story
Welfare originates from Middle English, combining 'wel' (well) and 'faren' (to fare). It initially denoted a good journey or state, evolving to mean general well-being and later government aid programs, central to modern social policy debates.
Meaning 2：well-being (welfare)
welfare
/ˈwelfer/
n.
The general health, happiness, and good living conditions of a person, animal, or group. It's about how well they are doing in life.
well-being
➕
/ˌwel ˈbiːɪŋ/
n.
The state of being healthy, happy, and prosperous.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The zookeepers always put the welfare of the animals first, making sure they have spacious habitats and a good diet.
Animal caretakers prioritize the well-being of creatures, ensuring ample living space and proper nutrition.
🔗 Collocations
animal welfare – the well-being of animals
public welfare – the health and happiness of the general population
welfare of others – concern for the well-being of other people
🔄 Synonyms
well-being (n.) – the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
health (n.) – the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit
prosperity (n.) – the state of being successful, especially in terms of wealth
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
welfare-oriented (adj.) – focused on promoting well-being
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser