Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Frugality Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฐ
Add to dictionary

frugality

[fruหหˆษกรฆlษชti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

personal finance

The quality of being economical with money or food; thriftiness.

Synonyms

economicalness, sparingness, thrift, thriftiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
frugality

Emphasizes being careful with spending and making thoughtful decisions to save money. Often seen as a positive characteristic.

  • Her frugality allowed her to save enough for a down payment on a house.
  • Living a life of frugality helped him retire early.
thriftiness

Similar to thrift, but may include being practical and creative in saving money. Often has a positive connotation.

  • Her thriftiness was evident in the way she repurposed old furniture.
  • Thriftiness can lead to significant savings over time.
thrift

Highlights the importance of saving and careful management of money, often seen in personal finance discussions.

  • Thrift is an essential principle for anyone wanting to build wealth.
  • The thrift store offers great bargains for budget-conscious shoppers.
economicalness

Refers to using resources, including money, time, and effort, efficiently. Common in discussion of cost-effectiveness.

  • The economicalness of the new heating system saved the company thousands.
  • Choosing public transportation is often praised for its economicalness.
sparingness

Focuses on being minimalist or restrained in the use of resources. Can sometimes imply excessive stinginess.

  • His sparingness with heating during winter made the house quite uncomfortable.
  • Sparingness in using natural resources is crucial for sustainability.

Examples of usage

  • She was admired for her frugality and ability to save money.
  • His frugality allowed him to retire early.
  • We should all learn to embrace frugality in our daily lives.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, frugality is associated with wisdom and virtue, often linked to the idea of being self-sufficient.
  • During economic hardship, frugality becomes a necessity, leading to a revival of traditional skills like canning food or repairing clothes.
  • Some modern minimalist movements promote frugality as a lifestyle choice to achieve happiness and reduce materialism.

Psychology

  • Studies show that practicing frugality can lead to increased satisfaction with life, as people value the things they possess more.
  • Individuals who embrace frugality often report lower levels of stress related to finances, as they feel more in control of their resources.
  • Psychologists suggest that the mindset of frugality contributes to greater resilience in financial crises, enhancing problem-solving skills.

Economics

  • Frugality is considered a key component of sustainable living, promoting resource conservation and reducing waste.
  • In economic downturns, consumer frugality tends to increase, impacting market trends and influencing business practices.
  • Many successful entrepreneurs credit their frugal habits in the early stages of their ventures as crucial for long-term stability.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features characters who embody frugality, showcasing virtues of hard work and wise spending, such as in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.'
  • Frugality is celebrated in many philosophical texts, where it juxtaposes against materialism and excess.
  • Modern self-help books frequently tout frugality as a path to financial freedom and personal empowerment.

Origin of 'frugality'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'frugalis', which means economical or thrifty.
  • In the 14th century, frugality was associated with fruges, referring to fruits and grains, which indicated being careful with food supplies.
  • Originally, the term emphasized the use of resources wisely rather than simply means of saving money.

The word 'frugality' has its roots in the Latin word 'frugalitas', meaning 'thriftiness' or 'economy'. The concept of frugality has been valued throughout history, with many philosophers and thinkers advocating for the virtues of living within one's means and avoiding wastefulness. In modern times, frugality is often associated with the minimalist movement and the trend of simplifying one's life for financial and environmental reasons.

See also: frugally.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,085, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.