Thrift

Noun

Definition: The quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully; economical management.

Synonyms: Frugality, Economy, Prudence, Carefulness

Antonyms: Extravagance, Wastefulness

Examples:

Her thrift allowed her to save a significant amount of money.
The family's thrift in their daily expenditures helped them achieve their financial goals.

Mnemonics:

"Thrift" sounds like "thrive", implying that careful management of resources leads to prosperity.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'thrift', from Old Norse 'þrift', meaning "prosperity, success".

Historical Usage:

The word was first recorded in the late 14th century and originally referred to the state of being prosperous. Over time, it came to mean the careful use and management of resources.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"To live by thrift"

Explanation:

To practice frugality and careful spending as a way of managing one's finances.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "thrift" with "thrive".

Explanation:

While the words sound similar, "thrift" refers to being economical and thrifty, whereas "thrive" means to prosper or flourish.