Word of the Day
: February 1, 2007parsimonious
playWhat It Means
1 : exhibiting or marked by parsimony; especially : frugal to the point of stinginess
2 : sparing, restrained
parsimonious in Context
My parsimonious brother refuses to buy the candy his daughter sells as a school fundraiser because he thinks it is overpriced.
Did You Know?
English isn't stingy when it comes to synonyms of "parsimonious." "Stingy," "close," "penurious," and "miserly" are a few terms that, like "parsimonious," suggest an unwillingness to share with others. "Stingy" implies a marked lack of generosity, whereas "close" suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions. "Penurious" implies frugality that gives an appearance of actual poverty, and "miserly" suggests avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding. "Parsimonious" usually suggests an extreme frugality that borders on stinginess.
*Indicates the sense illustrated in example sentence.
