noun
thrift
THRIFT/θrɪft/
Careful management that avoids wasting resources.
The man's thrift leads him to mend the sweater instead of replacing it.
Etymology
From 'thrive,' thrift first named thriving or prosperity, including savings and material gains. Its modern meaning shifts attention from having those gains to the habit of saving.
In context
Five million was substantial for him, but still savings he could produce. For my sister and me, it wasn t a sum thrift could conjure on demand.
More examples
- The school practices thrift by repairing desks instead of replacing them.
- Years of thrift help them save for a home.
- In a spirit of thrift, he saves fabric scraps for future projects.
Forms
thrifty adjective — Careful not to waste money or resources.
thriftiness noun — The quality of using resources without waste.
Similar words
- frugality
- Emphasizes spending little and living with few luxuries.
- economy
- Emphasizes efficient use of resources, not just saving money.