parsimonious

/,pɑ:si'mounjəs/

Friendly

Word: Parsimonious

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "parsimonious" describes someone who is very unwilling to spend money or use resources. It often implies that a person is excessively cheap or stingy, avoiding spending even when it might be reasonable to do so.

Simple Explanation

If someone is parsimonious, they are very careful with their money. They don’t want to spend it, even when they could or should. Imagine a person who has a lot of money but still refuses to buy a nice meal or treat others.

Usage Instructions

• Context: Use "parsimonious" to describe a person, behavior, or attitude regarding money and resources.
• Tense: Since "parsimonious" is an adjective, it describes nouns. It can be used with verbs like "is," "seems," or "becomes."

Example Sentence

• My uncle is very parsimonious; he always looks for the cheapest option and never treats anyone to lunch.

Advanced Usage

In a more formal or academic context, you might use "parsimonious" to discuss theories or models that are economical in their assumptions or components. For example: - The researcher proposed a parsimonious model that explained the data without unnecessary complexity.

Word Variants

• Noun: Parsimony (the quality of being parsimonious)

  • His parsimony makes it difficult for him to enjoy life.

• Adverb: Parsimoniously

  • She lived parsimoniously, saving every penny she could.

Different Meanings

While "parsimonious" primarily relates to being stingy with money, it can also refer to being overly simple or minimalistic in explanations or designs, especially in scientific contexts.

Synonyms

• Stingy
• Cheap
• Frugal (though "frugal" can have a more positive connotation)
• Tight-fisted
• Miserly

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Penny-pinching": This idiom means being very careful with money, similar to being parsimonious.

  • Her penny-pinching habits made her the least popular person in her group of friends.

• "Cut corners": This phrase means to do something in the easiest or cheapest way, which often leads to poorer quality.

Academic

Adjective

1. excessively unwilling to spend
   • parsimonious thrift relieved by few generous impulses
   • lived in a most penurious manner--denying himself every indulgence

Synonyms

• penurious