Wiktionary

economical

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From economic +‎ -al.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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economical (comparative more economical, superlative most economical)

  1. Careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty.
    He was an economical person by nature.
  2. 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.
  3. (dated) Relating to economy in any other sense.
    • 1854, Patrick Edward Dove, The Elements of Political Science‎[1], part 2, page 246:
      In economical science, value and the power of producing value are taken into consideration.
    • 1922, Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk, Capital and Interest: A Critical History of Economical Theory‎[2], 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[3], page 312:
      Doctor in Economical Sciences.
    • 2010, New Techniques and Technologies in Mining‎[4], page 20:
      Economical function usually has anti-crisis orientation and forms stable economical development of the state.

Usage notes

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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. Cf. the adjective economy.

Derived terms

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Translations

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relating to economy — see economic

See also

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