Welfare
'welˌfɛər
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of doing well; a condition of good physical or mental health; well-being.
'welˌfɛər
The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.
The organization's primary concern is the welfare of animals.
💡 Simply: Welfare means how happy and healthy someone is. Like, 'Are you doing well? That's your welfare!'
👶 For kids: When you are happy and healthy, that's your welfare!
More Examples
The doctor monitored the patient's welfare during the recovery process.
The community center provides resources for the welfare of low-income families.
How It's Used
"The government is concerned about the welfare of its citizens."
"She dedicated her career to improving child welfare."
Financial assistance provided by the government to people in need.
'welˌfɛər
Financial aid given to individuals or families by the government.
Many families rely on welfare to cover basic living expenses.
💡 Simply: Imagine the government helping people who need money to buy food and pay bills. That's welfare.
👶 For kids: When grown-ups need help with money, the government sometimes gives them some. That's called welfare.
More Examples
The new legislation aims to reform the welfare system.
Critics argued about the effectiveness of welfare programs in reducing poverty.
How It's Used
"She receives welfare benefits to support her family."
"The debate centered on welfare reform and its impact."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
welfare state
A system in which the government undertakes to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, especially those in financial or social need, by means of grants, pensions, and other benefits.
"Many European countries operate under a welfare state model."
welfare check
A payment of money that a person receives from the government if they are poor or unemployed.
"She relies on her welfare checks to cover her rent."
From Middle English wel fare, literally 'well-being' or 'good condition,' composed of 'well' and 'fare' (to go or be). The term evolved to encompass social and economic support provided by the state.
Historically, the term welfare has been used to describe both general well-being and specific government assistance programs, evolving over time to emphasize the latter.
Memory tip
Think of 'well-fare': how well someone is doing.
Word Origin
"good"