What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frugal
Example
She is very frugal and always looks for discounts before making a purchase. [frugal: adjective]
Example
We live a frugal lifestyle by reusing and recycling as much as possible. [frugal: adjective]
Example
The frugal meal consisted of rice, beans, and vegetables. [frugal: adjective]
parsimonious
Example
He is so parsimonious that he won't even buy a cup of coffee for his colleagues. [parsimonious: adjective]
Example
The company's parsimonious approach to employee benefits resulted in low morale. [parsimonious: adjective]
Example
Her parsimonious nature made her reluctant to donate any of her wealth to charity. [parsimonious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frugal is a more common word than parsimonious and is used in everyday language. Frugal is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while parsimonious is a less common and formal word that is typically used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frugal and parsimonious?
Parsimonious is a more formal word than frugal and is typically used in more serious or academic contexts. Frugal is a more casual word that can be used in both formal and informal situations.