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parsimony

noun/ˈpɑr.sɪ.moʊ.ni/

definition

extreme reluctance to use resources or expenditure of money

example

His parsimony was evident when he chose to repair his old car instead of buying a new one, despite having the funds to do so.

synonyms
stinginessfrugalitythriftiness
word origin — from Latin 'parsimonia', meaning 'sparingness', from 'parsus', the past participle of 'parcere', meaning 'to spare'

GRE Vocabulary — Set 110

Set 110 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: parsimony, sycophant, vindication, epistle, exhortation. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. parsimony · noun/ˈpɑr.sɪ.moʊ.ni/

    extreme reluctance to use resources or expenditure of money

    His parsimony was evident when he chose to repair his old car instead of buying a new one, despite having the funds to do so.

    Synonyms: stinginess, frugality, thriftiness

    Origin: from Latin 'parsimonia', meaning 'sparingness', from 'parsus', the past participle of 'parcere', meaning 'to spare'

  2. sycophant · noun/ˈsɪkəfænt/

    a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage

    In the boardroom, the CEO was surrounded by sycophants, eager to praise his every decision for fear of losing their positions.

    Synonyms: flatterer, toady, obsequious person

    Origin: The word 'sycophant' originates from the Greek 'sykophantēs', meaning 'informer, accuser', which itself comes from 'sykon' (fig) and 'phainō' (to show). It originally referred to someone who made false accusations to enrich themselves.

  3. vindication · noun/ˌvɪn.dɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

    the action of clearing someone of blame or suspicion

    The whistleblower received a strong vindication from the court, which ruled in her favor after a lengthy trial.

    Synonyms: justification, exoneration, validation

    Origin: from Latin 'vindicationem', meaning 'the act of reclaiming or avenging'.

  4. epistle · noun/ɪˈpɪs.əl/

    a letter or written communication, often formal or didactic in nature

    The scholar spent years studying the ancient epistles to better understand the early church's teachings.

    Synonyms: letter, message, communication

    Origin: from Old French 'epistole', from Latin 'epistola', from Greek 'epistolē', meaning 'a letter'

  5. exhortation · noun/ˌɛkxɔrˈteɪʃən/

    an urging or encouraging to do something

    The coach's exhortation inspired the team to push through their limits and achieve victory.

    Synonyms: encouragement, admonition, urging

    Origin: From Latin 'exhortatio', from 'exhortari' meaning 'to encourage, to urge on'