parsimonious

/pɑɹ.sɪˈmo͡ʊn.i.əs/

Group 12Difficulty 3/3

Definition

(adjective)
Excessively unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy
GRE

Example in Context

The parsimonious landlord refused to repair the heating system even in the depths of winter, drawing complaints from every tenant.

Synonyms

stingycheaptight-fisted

Etymology

Derived from a term meaning to spare, reflecting excessive stinginess.

  • parsi- (Latin) — to spare
  • monia (Greek) — to be stingy

Memory Aid

💰Sounds like “parsimony us

Imagine a miserly man named PARSIMONY hoarding his money like it’s the last dollar on Earth!

Visual Association

🤑A person clutching a single coin as if it were a treasure, glaring at anyone who dares ask for a penny.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “parsimonious” mean on the GRE?

parsimonious (adjective) means “Excessively unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy”. The parsimonious landlord refused to repair the heating system even in the depths of winter, drawing complaints from every tenant.

How to remember “parsimonious” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “parsimonious” sounds like “parsimony us”. Imagine a miserly man named PARSIMONY hoarding his money like it’s the last dollar on Earth!

What are synonyms for “parsimonious”?

Common synonyms: stingy, cheap, tight-fisted.