economize

[ ih-kon-uh-mahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, e·con·o·mized, e·con·o·miz·ing.

1. to practice economy; avoid waste or extravagance.

   Synonyms: husband, conserve, save

verb (used with object)

, e·con·o·mized, e·con·o·miz·ing.

1. to manage economically; use sparingly or frugally.

   Synonyms: husband, conserve, save

economize

/ ɪˈkɒnəˌmaɪz /

verb

1. often foll by on to limit or reduce (expense, waste, etc)

Derived Forms

• eˌconomiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• une·cono·mizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of economize¹

First recorded in 1640–50; econom(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

To economize — and to allow Robert the free time to write — they’ve moved their family to Berlin.

From Washington Post

But really—telling Ginger to give away the family dog in order to economize?

From The Daily Beast

He would haggle in a bargain for a shilling, and economize in things beneath a wise man's notice or consideration.

From Project Gutenberg

Being naturally anxious to economize the small funds I can devote to science, the request appeared to me a reasonable one.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the poor who cannot have electricity or gas hardly need economize here with kerosene at its present rates.

From Project Gutenberg

Now I have often noticed that women who are compelled to economize in little things are inclined to economize in all things.

From Project Gutenberg

They economize in the family expenditure; they employ few or no servants, and do plain sewing, dressmaking, and millinery.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conserve
• cut down
• scrimp