Frugal Meaning
/ˈfɹuːɡəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf something which is consumed (such as money, goods, etc.): Careful or wise in expenditure; avoiding waste.
adjCareful or wise in expenditure; avoiding waste.
Sentence Examples
Germans are a frugal people.
It is all very well to be frugal; but he goes too far.
He is very frugal, not to say stingy.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ woman reused old jars instead of buying new ones.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
By being ____ with her spending, she was able to save enough money to travel around the world.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French, from Latin frugalis (“virtuous, thrifty”). Displaced native Old English spærhende (literally “spare-handed”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"By what a frugal man annually saves, he not only affords maintenance to an additional number of productive hands, for that or the ensuing year, but [also] establishes as it were a perpetual fund for the maintenance of an equal number in all times to come."
— 1776, Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Book II, Chapter III:
"[…] a frugal meal, which consisted of roots and tea,[…]"
— 1762, Oliver Goldsmith, edited by Austin Dobson, The Citizen of the World, volume II, London: J. M. Dent and Co., published 1891, page 48:
"Pinching and paring he might furnish forth / A frugal board, bare sustenance, no more,[…]"
— 1868, Robert Browning, “Half-Rome” (chapter II), in The Ring and the Book:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ woman reused old jars instead of buying new ones.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
By being ____ with her spending, she was able to save enough money to travel around the world.