Parsimonious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parsimonious

[ˌpɑːr.sɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

being economical with money or resources

Parsimonious is used to describe someone who is extremely unwilling to spend money, even on necessities. It implies a stingy or miserly behavior, where the person is overly frugal and reluctant to part with their resources.

Synonyms

miserly, stingy, thrifty, tightfisted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
parsimonious	When describing someone who is extremely frugal to the point of being excessively unwilling to spend money. It often has a negative connotation. The parsimonious businessman refused to increase the salaries of his employees despite the company’s huge profits. Her parsimonious nature made her avoid restaurants and always cook at home.
stingy	Refers to someone who is not generous and reluctant to spend money. It generally has a negative tone. He was too stingy to leave a proper tip at the restaurant. Stingy landlords often refuse to make necessary repairs to their properties.
miserly	Used to describe someone who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible, typically viewed very negatively. The miserly old man lived in a rundown house but had millions in the bank. She was so miserly that she wouldn't even buy herself a new coat, wearing the same old one for years.
tightfisted	Used to describe someone who is very unwilling to spend money. It is similar to stingy and often used in a negative way. Her tightfisted attitude was evident when she refused to donate to the charity fundraiser. He is so tightfisted that he grumbles about every penny he has to spend.
thrifty	When describing someone who uses their money and resources carefully and wisely without being wasteful. This word typically has a positive connotation. Being thrifty, she managed to save a significant amount of money each month. Thrifty shoppers know how to find the best deals without compromising on quality.

Examples of usage

He was so parsimonious that he would reuse tea bags to save money.
The parsimonious millionaire lived a modest lifestyle despite his wealth.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

using the smallest amount of something

In a different context, parsimonious can refer to being very economical in the use of resources, time, or words. It suggests a minimalist approach, where only the essential or necessary elements are utilized.

Synonyms

economical, efficient, frugal, minimalist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
parsimonious	Used for someone who is extremely unwilling to spend money; often seen negatively. He is so parsimonious he refuses to buy new clothes even though he can afford them. The parsimonious manager wouldn't even approve a small budget for team events.
frugal	Used for someone who is careful about spending money, not wasteful; generally seen in a positive light. They lead a frugal lifestyle and save most of their income. His frugal habits allowed him to retire early.
economical	Used for something that does not require a lot of money; cost-effective and practical. This car is very economical on fuel. We chose an economical solution for our heating system.
efficient	Used for someone or something that achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. The new software is very efficient and has streamlined our processes. She is an efficient worker and always meets her deadlines.
minimalist	Used for something or someone who prefers simplicity and minimalism, often in design or lifestyle. The artist's home is very minimalist with few pieces of furniture. She follows a minimalist approach to life, owning only what she needs.

Examples of usage

Her parsimonious use of water in the desert showed her resourcefulness.
The artist's parsimonious strokes conveyed a depth of emotion.

Translations

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

Origin of 'parsimonious'

The word 'parsimonious' originated from the Latin word 'parsimonia', meaning 'frugality' or 'thrift'. It entered the English language in the 16th century, evolving to its current usage to describe someone who is excessively unwilling to spend money. The concept of being parsimonious has been present in various cultures throughout history, highlighting the value placed on thriftiness and resourcefulness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,017, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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25014 snowing
25015 adjoined
25016 widget
25017 parsimonious
25018 sobered
25019 sufferance
25020 menopausal
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