cheeseparing
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈtʃiːzˌpeərɪŋ/
KK: /ˈtʃizˌpɛrɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone who is very unwilling to spend money or share resources; being miserly or stingy.
Example
His cheeseparing attitude made it difficult for him to make friends, as he never wanted to treat anyone.
Conversation
I can't believe how cheeseparing Mark has been with his money lately.
Right? It's like he thinks being frugal is a competition.
Exactly! He won't even chip in for a round of drinks.
I know, it makes hanging out with him a bit awkward.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stingy
miserly
parsimonious
Antonyms
generous
lavish
extravagant
noun
Definition
A practice of being very careful with money or resources, often to the point of being stingy or miserly.
Example
His cheeseparing ways made it difficult for him to enjoy life and share with others.
Conversation
Have you noticed how some people are just so cheeseparing with their money?
Yeah, it’s like they think saving every cent is the most important thing.
I get it to a point, but sometimes their cheeseparing habits make life less enjoyable.
Root Explanation
Cheeseparing is formed from "cheese" (from Old English *cēse*, meaning a dairy product made from curdled milk) and "paring" (from the verb "pare", meaning to trim or cut away). The word refers to the act of being excessively frugal or stingy, akin to trimming away the excess.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cheese' as a product that can be cut or trimmed ('paring') — this helps you remember that 'cheeseparing' means being overly careful with resources, like trimming away every bit.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.