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Tue 10 Aug, 2004 11:55 pm
The word "destitute" has been used as a noun, meaning "the poor".
Am I on the right track?
Context:
Unable to pay for his schooling, Zheng Qingming killed himself. His foster mother, Wei Xinqiao, right, is retarded, so he was raised by grandparents, Zheng Zili, center, and Ye Ruizhen, members of China's growing destitute.
It's not used as a noun so it should read: members of China's growing destitute population
Panzade is correct on usage.
As for the nuances, "destitute" is not merely "poor", but poor without any resources, any hope of improving one's condition.
Cool Noddy.
Also thank Panzade.
I'm always here at your service Ori
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