economical
English
Alternative forms
- economicall (obsolete)
- œconomical (archaic)
- œconomicall (obsolete)
Etymology
Pronunciation
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Audio (US): (file)
Adjective
economical (comparative more economical, superlative most economical)
- Careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty.
- He was an economical person by nature.
- Saving money or resources.
- The new, eco-friendly bicycle was an economical purchase.
- 1961 March, “The new Glasgow Central signalbox”, in Trains Illustrated, page 177:
- The whole [resignalling] scheme has proved more economical than the construction of a new Clyde bridge.
- (dated) Relating to economy in any other sense.
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- 1922, Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk, Capital and Interest: A Critical History of Economical Theory, page 218:
- By Use, then, in the sense given it by the Say-Hermann school, we have to think of an objective useful element which proceeds from goods, and acquires independent economical existence as well as independent economical value.
- 2007, Who's Who in the Arab World, page 312:
- Doctor in Economical Sciences.
- 2010, New Techniques and Technologies in Mining, page 20:
- Economical function usually has anti-crisis orientation and forms stable economical development of the state.
Usage notes
Modern usage prefers economic when describing the economy of a region or country (and when referring to personal or family budgeting). Economical is preferred when referring to thrift or value for money.
Derived terms
Translations
careful with money
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relating to economy — see economic
saving money or resources
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