Definition

Not willing to spend money; very stingy or cheap.

Example

He is so closefisted that he never buys lunch for his coworkers.

Conversation

Did you see how closefisted Mark was when we went out last night?

Yeah, he barely wanted to chip in for the bill.

I thought friends usually share expenses, not be so closefisted.

Right? It's frustrating when someone acts like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Closefisted → It is formed from "close" (from Old English *clōsan*, meaning to shut or fasten) and "fisted" (from "fist", which comes from Old English *fist*, meaning a hand or clenched hand). The word "closefisted" describes someone who is tight with money, as if they are shutting their hand tightly around it.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who keeps their hand 'shut' ('close') tightly like a 'fist' — that's why closefisted means unwilling to part with money.

Visually Confused Words