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Parsimony: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Parsimony noun. In reasoning, a preference for the simplest explanation that fits the facts.
How to say it
PAR-sih-muh-nee/ˈpɑːsɪməni/ · American /ˈpɑrsəˌmoʊni/
4 syllables, stressed on the first (PAR).
Meanings
- In reasoning, a preference for the simplest explanation that fits the facts.
- Extreme reluctance to spend money.
Parsimony in a sentence
On grounds of parsimony, the dog eating the cake is likelier than a burglar who only took cake.
His parsimony was legendary; he used every tea bag twice.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- simplicity
- economy
- frugality
- thrift
Opposite:
- extravagance
Where parsimony comes from
From Latin parsimonia, from parcere, to spare.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
His _____ was legendary; he used every tea bag twice.
- ratiocination
- parsimony
- furcula
Show the answer
parsimony: His parsimony was legendary; he used every tea bag twice.