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Stinting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stinting

[stษชntษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

restricting resources

To stint means to restrict or limit, especially in terms of resources or provisions. It often implies a careful or frugal approach, where not enough is given or used. The term can carry a negative connotation, suggesting that one is withholding what is necessary or adequate. In various contexts, it can refer to anything from time and effort to money and materials.

Synonyms

limiting, restricting, sparingly.

Examples of usage

  • He was stinting on his support for the project.
  • They are stinting their efforts in advertising.
  • Don't stint on quality when purchasing materials.
Context #2 | Noun

limited period

A stint can also refer to a limited or assigned period of time spent doing a particular job or activity. This usage often describes a fixed duration, such as an assignment or a temporary position. The term comes from the notion of a defined period that one may be required to fill in or occupy.

Synonyms

period, session, term.

Examples of usage

  • He did a stint as a waiter.
  • Her stint in the army was transformative.
  • I completed a short stint at the company before moving on.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being stinting can be related to scarcity mindset, where a person believes resources are limited.
  • Psychological studies show that people who are stinting often worry about future shortages, affecting their decisions.
  • Such behavior can lead to hoarding tendencies, causing stress in social situations.

Social Dynamics

  • In relationships, a stinting attitude may lead to feelings of dissatisfaction or resentment among friends or partners.
  • Acts of generosityโ€”as opposed to stintingโ€”are linked to increased happiness in social interactions.
  • In a workplace, stinting resources can affect team morale and lead to burnout among employees.

Literature

  • Authors use stinting behavior as a character trait to develop antagonist characters who are greedy or selfish.
  • The idea of stinting has appeared in classic works, illustrating themes of generosity versus scarcity.
  • Poets have explored the emotional weight of being stinting, often relating it to deeper human fears about loss.

Economics

  • In economic contexts, stinting can refer to limiting expenditures in budget management, highlighting cautious financial practices.
  • During times of recession, consumers may act stintingly, which affects the overall economy by reducing spending.
  • Government policies might encourage stinting practices by promoting savings during uncertain times.

Origin of 'stinting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'stin(t)en,' which means to restrain or limit.
  • The original root can be traced to the Old French word 'estintier', meaning to limit or define.
  • It has evolved to also include the meaning of being sparing or frugal in resource usage.

The word 'stint' has its origins in the Middle English word 'stinten', which came from the Old English 'styntan', meaning to 'separate' or 'to halt'. It relates to the root of the word associated with restraint or limitation. The evolution of 'stint' over centuries reflects the duality of its meaning, focusing on both the aspects of restriction and defined periods of time. The verb's usage has been prevalent since around the 15th century, while the noun form emerged later, reflecting the practical contexts of work durations or tasks. Overall, 'stinting' encapsulates an essence of carefulness in resource allocation, while also acknowledging the bounded nature of various commitments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,364, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.