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.

Noun

1. informal terms for money