- pronunciation:
- wel
fer
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun), Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
an official program that gives money and other help to people who need it.
She was on welfare after she lost her job.- similar words:
- aid, compensation, relief, social security, unemployment
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| definition 2: |
the state of being healthy and happy.
My mother thought more about my welfare than her own.
- synonyms:
- good
- similar words:
- advantage, benefit, comfort, fortune, health, interest, profit, success
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The word
welfare comes from two Old English words that mean "get along" and "well." These same Old English words form the word "farewell."