c. 1300, from Old English wel faran "condition of being or doing well," from wel (see well (adv.)) + faran "get along" (see fare (v.)). Similar formation in Old Norse velferð. Meaning "social concern for the well-being of children, the unemployed, etc." is first attested 1904; meaning "organized effort to provide for maintenance of members of a group" is from 1918. Welfare state is recorded from 1941.
双语例句
1. They were more concerned about the dogs' welfare than a clean getaway.
他们更加关心那些狗的安危，而非自己如何干净利落地脱身。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The local welfare office is where government dispenses many of its services.
地方福利部门就是政府贯彻实施其众多服务的窗口。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The government is cynically running down Swe-den's welfare system.
瑞典政府正自私自利地削减本国的福利。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Unsupported mothers are one of the fastest-growing groups of welfare claimants.
无生活依靠的单身母亲是福利救济申领者中人数增长最快的群体之一。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Animal welfare is a subject very close to my heart.