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frugal

FROO-gul /ˈfruːɡəl/

adjectiveB2GRESAT

neutral

Careful in the use of resources, especially money or food; economical.

Implies sensible and careful management, not necessarily stinginess. A frugal person avoids waste.

The story behind the word. The word 'frugal' comes from the Latin 'frugalis,' meaning 'economical' or 'virtuous.' This, in turn, is related to 'frux,' which meant 'fruit' or 'profit.' So, a frugal person was someone who managed their 'fruits' (resources) wisely to ensure 'profit' or benefit, rather than wasting them. It's about being productive with what you have!

Word relationships

economical: Very close in meaning, often interchangeable, but 'economical' can also apply to things (e.g., an economical car).
thrifty: Emphasizes saving money and avoiding waste, often with a positive connotation.

extravagant: Spending excessively or wastefully.
prodigal: Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.

Commonly confused with

stingy: 'Frugal' implies wise management; 'stingy' implies an unwillingness to spend, even when appropriate or necessary.

Word family

frugality (noun): The quality of being frugal; economy in the use of resources.
frugally (adverb): In a frugal manner.

Collocations

frugal lifestyle
frugal habits
frugal spending
live frugally

Example sentences

"Despite his considerable wealth, the billionaire lived a surprisingly frugal lifestyle, preferring simple meals and public transport." Describing a person's spending habits.
"To build up significant savings, one must learn to be frugal with daily expenses." Advice on managing money.
"The company's frugal approach to office supplies helped them cut down on overhead costs." Resource management.

Memory hook

A 'frugal' person doesn't 'fritter' away their money. No frittering

When not to use

Do not use 'frugal' to describe someone who is excessively cheap or unwilling to spend money even when necessary; 'stingy' or 'miserly' would be more appropriate.

Fun facts

Many successful investors and entrepreneurs are known for their frugal habits, demonstrating that wealth accumulation often starts with careful spending.