penurious
adjective
Extremely poor; excessively unwilling to spend money or use resources. Can describe poverty itself or excessive stinginess.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin "penuriosus" (needy), from Latin "penuria" (want, scarcity). Related to Greek "penia" (poverty).
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The penurious conditions of the orphanage shocked inspectors."
- 2.
"His penurious habits continued even after becoming wealthy."
- 3.
"A penurious upbringing taught her to value every resource."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Dickens masterfully portrayed penurious characters like Scrooge, exploring how extreme poverty or stinginess warps personality. His works influenced Victorian attitudes toward poverty and charity.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (P, E, N, U, R, I, O, U, S)
Scrabble Value: 11 points
Tip: Words ending in "US" are often good scoring opportunities.
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