Parsimony
hardNegative tonePAR-suh-moh-nee
noun
Definition
extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources; stinginess
Memory hook
PARSIMONY: imagine a miser who serves guests a single PARSley sprig for MONEY's sake — comically stingy, sparing every last cent.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His legendary parsimony meant the office never had even a working coffee machine.”
“Such parsimony in research funding left the lab unable to replace broken equipment.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His legendary ______ meant the office never had even a working coffee machine.”
Show answer
parsimony
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Parsimony is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "stinginess" or "frugality" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "generosity".
Related GRE Words
squander
to waste recklessly or spend extravagantly
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
complaisant
Willing to please others; obliging; agreeable
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