indigente
Lemma Details
Translation: indigent; destitute; homeless; poor; needy
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'indigens, indigentis', present participle of 'indigere' meaning 'to need, require, want', which is formed from 'in-' (in, on) + 'egere' (to be in need). The English cognate 'indigent' comes from the same Latin root. The word emphasizes a state of extreme poverty where one lacks the basic necessities of life.
Commonality: 40%
Guessability: 70%
Register: formal
Example Usage
Hay muchos indigentes durmiendo en las calles de la ciudad.
There are many homeless people sleeping on the city streets.
El gobierno ha creado un programa para ayudar a la población indigente.
The government has created a program to help the indigent population.
Se quedó indigente después de perder su trabajo y su casa.
He became destitute after losing his job and home.
Las familias indigentes reciben ayuda alimentaria.
Destitute families receive food assistance.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'in-digent' as someone who cannot 'digest' or consume basic necessities because they lack them.
- Remember the English word 'indigent' which has the same meaning and similar pronunciation.
- The 'in' prefix suggests lacking or being without, while 'digente' sounds like 'diligent' - someone who lacks despite being diligent.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'indigente' often refers specifically to homeless people living on the streets, though it can also be used more broadly to describe extreme poverty. Social programs addressing homelessness and extreme poverty often use this term in official contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Indigente' means 'destitute' or 'homeless', while 'indulgente' means 'indulgent' or 'lenient'.
This word:
Los indigentes necesitan ayuda para encontrar vivienda.
The homeless need help finding housing.
Confused word:
Los padres indulgentes permiten demasiados caprichos a sus hijos.
Indulgent parents allow their children too many whims.
Notes: The similar spelling and sound can cause confusion, especially for beginners. 'Indigente' relates to poverty while 'indulgente' relates to permissiveness.
Mnemonic: 'Indigente' has 'gente' (people) in it - think of people without homes. 'Indulgente' has 'dulce' (sweet) hidden in it - think of someone sweet who gives in easily.
Explanation: 'Indigente' refers to someone who is destitute or homeless, while 'indígena' means 'indigenous' or 'native'.
This word:
El indigente dormía en un banco del parque.
The homeless person was sleeping on a park bench.
Confused word:
Las comunidades indígenas mantienen sus tradiciones ancestrales.
Indigenous communities maintain their ancestral traditions.
Notes: Both words share the prefix 'indi-' but refer to completely different concepts - one about cultural/ethnic origin and the other about economic status.
Mnemonic: 'Indígena' contains 'gen' which can remind you of 'genes' or heritage, while 'indigente' focuses on economic status.