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Wordabulary

frugal

Pronunciation
Adjective B1 Intermediate

Quick answer

Careful about spending money, avoiding waste or unnecessary purchases.

"Growing up with very little taught her to be frugal for the rest of her life."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

thrifty economical

Antonyms

wasteful extravagant

Usage notes

"Frugal" carries a slightly positive tone of wise thrift, unlike "stingy" or "cheap," which suggest excessive unwillingness to spend.

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "Growing up with very little taught her to be _____ for the rest of her life."

Answer: frugal

In your own words, what does "frugal" mean?

Careful about spending money, avoiding waste or unnecessary purchases.

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