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Miser Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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miser

[หˆmaษชzษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

character trait

A miser is a person who is unwilling to spend money, often to the point of foregoing even basic necessities. They tend to hoard their wealth instead of using it for enjoyment or to help others. Misers are often seen as selfish and greedy, as they prioritize saving money over relationships and experiences. This term is commonly used to describe individuals who are excessively frugal or stingy.

Synonyms

cheapskate, hoarder, skinflint, tightwad.

Examples of usage

  • He lived like a miser, never spending a dime on anything luxurious.
  • Despite his wealth, the miser refused to donate to charity.
  • Her miserly habits made her friends wary of asking for help.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The character of Harpagon in Moliรจre's play 'L'Avare' (The Miser) epitomizes the struggles between love and greed.
  • Charles Dickens often explores themes of miserliness through characters like Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol'.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s portrayal of Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice' showcases the negative social perception of misers.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that individuals who hoard money often have deeper emotional issues, such as fear of poverty or anxiety.
  • Hoarding behaviors can be linked to control issues; keeping money is a way for some to feel secure.
  • Miserly behavior can create social isolation, as friends and family may be put off by a personโ€™s unwillingness to share.

Pop Culture

  • In many films and TV shows, miserly characters are often comedic, exaggerating their stinginess for laughs, such as Scrooge McDuck.
  • The character Mr. Burns from 'The Simpsons' is a classic representation of a miser, showcasing his obsession with wealth.
  • The Miserly Man trope is often played for humor, but it also serves as a cautionary tale about the emptiness of wealth without sharing.

Origin of 'miser'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'miser', meaning 'wretched' or 'unfortunate', reflecting the sad nature of being overly stingy.
  • It was first used in English around the 14th century, primarily to describe someone who hoarded wealth.
  • The related adjective 'miserly' describes behaviors that are excessively frugal.

The word 'miser' originates from the Latin 'miser', meaning 'wretched' or 'unhappy'. The word entered Middle English in the late 14th century and has retained a negative connotation ever since, referring to people who are excessively unwilling to share or spend their wealth. In older literature, misers were often depicted as foolish characters, unable to enjoy the riches they hoarded. The association with unhappiness reflects the idea that wealth does not guarantee happiness and that those who cling too tightly to their money often lead lonely lives. Over the centuries, the term has persisted in the English language, symbolizing a character flaw that many people find relatable, especially in discussions about wealth and morality.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,636, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.