pelf
/pelf/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - Wealth or money, especially when regarded with contempt or as having been acquired in a dishonorable way: "Pelf" refers to riches or financial gain, typically carrying a negative connotation of ill-gotten gains or material wealth viewed as corrupting or worthless.
Usage
"Pelf" is a formal, literary, and often archaic or humorous word. It is used to describe money in a disparaging way, suggesting it is tainted, morally questionable, or the object of excessive greed. It is not used in everyday, neutral contexts for money.
Examples
- The corrupt official cared for nothing but his own pelf.
- He pursued pelf and power, losing his integrity in the process.
- In the story, the miser hoarded his pelf in a secret vault.
Advanced Usage
- As an object of scorn or satire: The word is often employed in literary or rhetorical contexts to criticize the pursuit of wealth.
- The poet scorned the pelf of the merchant class.
Variants and Related Words
- Pelfish : Characterized by or concerned with the greedy acquisition of wealth.
- His pelfish ambitions were his downfall.
Synonyms
- Lucre: Money, especially when seen as sordid or distasteful.
- Filthy lucre: A stronger term emphasizing the moral污秽 of the money.
- Mammon: Wealth regarded as an evil influence or false god.
- Booty: Plunder or loot, often from war or robbery.
Antonyms
- Alms: Money or goods given to the poor.
- Philanthropy: The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed by the generous donation of money.
Idioms and Phrases
- "The pursuit of pelf": A phrase describing the relentless and often dishonorable chase after money.
- He abandoned his principles in the relentless pursuit of pelf.