welfare
Meaning
the health, happiness, and prosperity of a person or group.
organized efforts by a government or organization to improve the well-being of a group, especially by providing financial or practical support.
Structure
Usage
the charity's primary concern is the welfare of abandoned animals.
he is on welfare while looking for a new job.
the company has a strong commitment to employee welfare.
Etymology
The word 'welfare' is a compound formed from two Old English elements, 'wel' and 'faran'. Its literal sense was 'a journeying well' or 'a state of faring well', directly linking one's condition to the metaphor of a journey. Over time, this concrete notion of a good journey evolved into the abstract concept of a state of health, happiness, and prosperity. In the 20th century, its application expanded to denote the organized systems and financial support provided by the state to ensure this condition for its citizens, solidifying its modern dual meaning.
Analysis
wel is from old english wel, meaning 'in a good manner, properly'. fare is from old english faran, meaning 'to journey, to get on, to be in a particular state'. both are of germanic origin.