Thrifty: meaning, definitions and examples
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thrifty
[ˈθrɪfti ]
Definitions
in terms of spending money
showing a careful use of money, especially by avoiding waste; economical
Synonyms
economical, frugal, frugal, prudent, sparing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thrifty |
When someone is careful with their money and resources, often managing them well to avoid waste. It has a positive connotation.
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| frugal |
Indicates someone who is careful about spending money and resources, often by being strict with budgeting. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if perceived as overly strict.
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| economical |
Describes actions or items that save money or resources, usually without sacrificing quality.
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| sparing |
Used when someone uses something in very small amounts, often to make it last longer. It is usually associated with resources or effort.
|
| prudent |
Describes someone who is wise and careful in making decisions, especially financial ones, to avoid risks.
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Examples of usage
- She was thrifty and saved up for a rainy day.
- His thrifty habits allowed him to retire early.
- The thrifty shopper always looked for the best deals.
in terms of resources
using resources efficiently and avoiding waste
Synonyms
eco-friendly, efficient, prudent, resourceful, sustainable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| thrifty |
Thrifty is used when someone is careful about how they spend money, often trying to save as much as possible.
|
| efficient |
Efficient is used when something or someone achieves maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
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| resourceful |
Resourceful is used when someone can handle difficult situations well by making the most of available resources.
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| sustainable |
Sustainable is used to describe practices that do not deplete resources or harm the environment, ensuring long-term viability.
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| eco-friendly |
Eco-friendly is used when describing actions, products, or behaviors that are good for the environment.
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| prudent |
Prudent is used when someone makes wise decisions and uses good judgment, especially regarding risks and future consequences.
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Examples of usage
- The company became more thrifty by recycling materials.
- She had a thrifty approach to water conservation.
- The thrifty gardener made use of compost to enrich the soil.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'thrifty' comes from the Old Norse word 'þrift', meaning 'prosperity' or 'to thrive'.
- It was first used in English in the late 15th century, reflecting a time when careful spending became crucial.
- Over time, the term evolved to emphasize frugality and wise financial choices rather than just wealth.
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, being thrifty is celebrated, with various sayings promoting the idea that 'a penny saved is a penny earned.'
- The Great Depression period in the 1930s led to a surge in thrifty behaviors, as families had to stretch their resources.
- In Asian traditions, tough economic times fostered a mindset of saving and budgeting, with practices still observed today.
Psychology
- Studies show that people who practice thriftiness often experience less anxiety about financial stability.
- A thrifty lifestyle is linked to mindfulness, as individuals become more aware of their spending habits and prioritize necessities.
- Being thrifty can lead to a feeling of accomplishment and control over one's finances, boosting overall well-being.
Pop Culture
- Popular TV shows like 'Extreme Couponing' celebrate extreme thrifty behaviors, showing how people save significant amounts of money.
- The 'Minimalist' movement promotes a thrifty lifestyle by encouraging people to own less and spend less, focusing on experiences over possessions.
- In fashion, the term 'thrifted' has gained popularity, referring to trendy items bought from thrift stores, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
Environmental Impact
- Adopting a thrifty lifestyle can contribute to sustainable living, as it often leads to reduced waste and resource conservation.
- Choosing second-hand items over new can help decrease the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and shipping.
- Living thriftily encourages creativity, as individuals repurpose and upcycle items instead of discarding them, fostering an eco-friendly mindset.
Translations
Translations of the word "thrifty" in other languages:
🇵🇹 econômico
🇮🇳 मितव्ययी (Mitavyayi)
🇩🇪 sparsam
🇮🇩 hemat
🇺🇦 ощадливий
🇵🇱 oszczędny
🇯🇵 倹約 (けんやく, kenyaku)
🇫🇷 économe
🇪🇸 ahorrativo
🇹🇷 tutumlu
🇰🇷 절약하는 (jeol-yag haneun)
🇸🇦 مقتصد (muqtasid)
🇨🇿 šetřivý
🇸🇰 šetrný
🇨🇳 节俭的 (jiéjiǎn de)
🇸🇮 varčen
🇮🇸 sparsamur
🇰🇿 үнемшіл
🇬🇪 ეკონომიური (ekonomiyuri)
🇦🇿 sərfəli
🇲🇽 ahorrativo