welfare
Relating to the health, happiness, and professional or financial security of individuals or groups. In a political context, it describes systems or policies where the government provides social services and financial assistance to citizens in need.
Examples
3 of 5I called my grandmother just to check on her general welfare after the storm.
I called my grandmother just to check on her general welfare after the storm.
The committee is responsible for overseeing the welfare of all international students on campus.
The committee is responsible for overseeing the welfare of all international students on campus.
My dog's welfare is my top priority when I'm looking for a pet sitter.
My dog's welfare is my top priority when I'm looking for a pet sitter.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'Fare Well.' If you 'fare well' in life, you are in a state of 'welfare'—you are doing well and are healthy.
Quick Quiz
The local government has increased its budget for _____ programs to support unemployed workers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: welfare
Examples
I called my grandmother just to check on her general welfare after the storm.
everydayI called my grandmother just to check on her general welfare after the storm.
The committee is responsible for overseeing the welfare of all international students on campus.
formalThe committee is responsible for overseeing the welfare of all international students on campus.
My dog's welfare is my top priority when I'm looking for a pet sitter.
informalMy dog's welfare is my top priority when I'm looking for a pet sitter.
Sociological research indicates that robust welfare programs can significantly reduce crime rates.
academicSociological research indicates that robust welfare programs can significantly reduce crime rates.
Our corporate welfare package includes health insurance, gym memberships, and mental health days.
businessOur corporate welfare package includes health insurance, gym memberships, and mental health days.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on welfare
receiving financial aid from the government because of being poor or unemployed
welfare reform
changes to the laws regarding how government aid is distributed
promote the general welfare
to encourage the health and happiness of the whole community
Often Confused With
Farewell is an expression of good-bye, while welfare refers to well-being or social aid.
Warfare refers to the activities of fighting a war, which is the opposite of the peaceful stability implied by welfare.
Usage Notes
While 'welfare' is technically a noun, it is frequently used as an attributive adjective to describe programs, policies, or systems (e.g., 'welfare services'). In North America, the term often specifically implies government financial aid for the poor.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell the word as 'wellfare' (adding an extra 'l') or confuse the meaning with 'wealth' (which only refers to money).
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase 'Fare Well.' If you 'fare well' in life, you are in a state of 'welfare'—you are doing well and are healthy.
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle English 'wel fare,' which literally meant 'to fare well' or to get along well in life.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the United Kingdom and much of Europe, the 'welfare state' is a prideful term for a comprehensive social safety net, whereas in the United States, 'welfare' can sometimes carry a negative social stigma associated with dependency.
Quick Quiz
The local government has increased its budget for _____ programs to support unemployed workers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: welfare
Related Vocabulary
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