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adj

thrifty

THRIHF-tee

Thrifty (adj) means Careful with money; avoiding unnecessary spending or waste. Example: “Being thrifty, she always compared prices before buying groceries.”

adj
1
Careful with money; avoiding unnecessary spending or waste.
"Being thrifty, she always compared prices before buying groceries."
"A thrifty cook can make a good meal from leftovers."

How to use thrifty

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCareful and sensible about spending money, in a positive sense.

Common mistake

Thrifty is a compliment, unlike "stingy" or "cheap," which suggest someone is unwilling to spend even when they should.

Common pairings
thrifty shopper thrifty habits

Word forms

thriftier comparative, thriftiest superlative

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Being _____, she always compared prices before buying groceries.

Etymology

Formed from thrift plus the adjective ending -y, dating back to Middle English.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for thrifty

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Frequently asked questions

What does “thrifty” mean?

The word “thrifty” means careful with money; avoiding unnecessary spending or waste. In plain terms, careful and sensible about spending money, in a positive sense.

How do you pronounce “thrifty”?

“Thrifty” is pronounced THRIHF-tee (/ˈθɹɪfti/ in IPA).

How do you use “thrifty” in a sentence?

Here is “thrifty” used in a sentence: “Being thrifty, she always compared prices before buying groceries.”

What is the opposite of “thrifty”?

The opposite of “thrifty” — its antonyms — are spendthrift and thriftless.

What part of speech is “thrifty”?

“Thrifty” is an adjective.

Where does the word “thrifty” come from?

The word “thrifty” comes from Middle English. Formed from thrift plus the adjective ending -y, dating back to Middle English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial