ENGLISH
REFERENCE

leper

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɫɛpɝ// UK //lˈɛpɐ// lep·er Archaic

n. a person who has a very serious skin disease called leprosy. This word is mostly used in old stories or to describe someone who is very sick and alone.

n. a person afflicted with leprosy, historically subject to social isolation and exclusion. Often carries a strong archaic or literary tone in modern usage.


SIMPLE

The leper was kept away from the village.

CONTEXTUAL

In many medieval legends, the leper serves as a symbol of extreme suffering and social rejection.

COMPLEX

The protagonist's journey toward redemption is mirrored by his encounter with a leper, a figure that traditionally represents the ultimate loss of social standing and physical health.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English lepre, leprosy, from Old French [Term?], from Latin leprae, lepra, from Ancient Greek λέπρα (lépra).

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