thrifty

thrifty [thrif′tē]

adj.

thriftier, thriftiest

1. practicing or showing thrift; economical; provident

2. thriving; flourishing; prospering

3. growing vigorously, as a plant

thriftily

adv.

thriftiness

n.

SYN.- THRIFTY implies industry and clever management of one's money or resources, usually so as to result in some savings [the thrifty housewife watched for sales ]; FRUGAL stresses the idea of saving and suggests spending which excludes any luxury or lavishness and provides only the simplest fare, dress, etc. [the Amish are a frugal people ]; SPARING implies such restraint in spending as restricts itself to the bare minimum or involves deprivation [sparing to the point of niggardliness ]; ECONOMICAL implies prudent management of one's money or resources so as to avoid any waste in expenditure or use [it is often economical to buy in large quantities ]; PROVIDENT implies management with the foresight to provide for future needs [never provident, he quickly spent his inheritance ] -ANT. LAVISH, PRODIGAL, WASTEFUL