Definition

The quality of being unwilling to spend money or share resources; being stingy or miserly.

Example

His tightfistedness made it difficult for him to maintain friendships, as he rarely treated anyone to a meal.

Conversation

Did you notice how tightfistedness can ruin friendships?

Absolutely, it makes people feel unvalued.

It's surprising how some friends just won't share anything.

Yeah, a little generosity goes a long way in keeping relationships strong.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tightfistedness → It is formed from "tight" (from Old English *tīht*, meaning firm or close) and "fisted" (from "fist", meaning a hand with fingers clenched) combined with the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word describes the quality of being unwilling to part with money or resources, akin to having a clenched fist.

Memory Tip

Think of someone with a 'tight' grip ('tight') and a 'clenched hand' ('fisted') — this helps you remember that 'tightfistedness' means being unwilling to spend or share.

Visually Confused Words