- Main Entry:
- stin·gy
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈstin-jē\
- Function:
- adjective
- Inflected Form(s):
- stin·gi·er; stin·gi·est
- Etymology:
- perhaps from English dialect *stinge, noun, sting; akin to Old English stingan to sting
- Date:
- 1659
1
: not generous or liberal : sparing or scant in using, giving, or spending <stingy with the salt> <stingy employee benefits>
2
: meanly scanty or small <stingy portions of meat>
—
stin·gi·ly \-jə-lē\ adverb —
stin·gi·ness \-jē-nəs\ noun synonyms stingy,
close,
niggardly,
parsimonious,
penurious,
miserly mean being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others.
stingy implies a marked lack of generosity
<a stingy child, not given to sharing>.
close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions
<folks who are very close when charity calls>.
niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible
<the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library>.
parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess
<a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries>.
penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty
<the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune>.
miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding
<a miserly couple devoid of social conscience>.
