Breadline is a term that has been used for centuries to describe a line of people waiting for food or other basic necessities. The term has evolved over time and has taken on different meanings in different contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of breadline, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
The term breadline is used to describe a line of people waiting for food or other basic necessities. It can also refer to the level of poverty at which people are forced to stand in such lines. In some contexts, the term breadline is used to describe the minimum level of income required to meet basic needs.
Origin
The term breadline originated in the United States during the Great Depression of the 1930s. At that time, many people were unemployed and could not afford to buy food. They would line up at soup kitchens and other charitable organizations to receive free meals. The term breadline was used to describe the lines of people waiting for food.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of breadline varies slightly in different dictionaries. According to Merriam-Webster, breadline is “a line of people waiting for free food (such as bread) especially during a time of famine or depression.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines breadline as “the level of subsistence below which it is necessary to stand in line for food or other basic necessities.”
Associations
Breadline is associated with poverty, hunger, and economic hardship. It is often used to describe the conditions faced by people during times of economic crisis, such as the Great Depression or the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Synonyms
Synonyms of breadline include poverty line, subsistence level, and minimum wage. These terms all refer to the minimum level of income required to meet basic needs.
Antonyms
Antonyms of breadline include affluence, wealth, and prosperity. These terms all refer to a high level of income or financial well-being.
The same root words
The root word of breadline is bread, which refers to a basic food item that has been a staple of human diets for thousands of years. The word line refers to a group of people standing in a row or queue.
Example Sentences
- During the Great Depression, thousands of people stood in breadlines waiting for free food.
- The poverty line is the level of income below which people are considered to be living in poverty.
- Many workers are struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage, which is often below the breadline.
- The pandemic has pushed many families below the breadline, forcing them to rely on food banks and other charitable organizations for basic necessities.