Reading Theme:
Economical: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：cost-effective (economical)
economical
/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkl/
adj.
not costing a lot of money, helping you save money
cost-effective
➕
/ˈkɒst ɪˈfektɪv/
adj.
Describes something that is relatively cheap to buy or use, providing good value for money and helping to save costs.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'oikonomia' (household management), via Latin and French, relating to thrift.
💡 Mnemonic
ECOnomical cars save you ECOlogy and ECO-nomy. It's all about ECO-friendly saving!
📖 Example
I chose the electric car because it's much more economical for daily commuting than a petrol one.
I chose the electric car because it's much more economical for daily commuting than a petrol one.
🔗 Collocations
economical choice – a purchase or option that saves money
economical option – a less expensive alternative
economical price – a price that is not high
🔄 Synonyms
frugal (adj.) – careful not to waste money or resources
thrifty (adj.) – using money carefully and wisely
budget-friendly (adj.) – inexpensive; suitable for a limited budget
🚫 Antonyms
expensive (adj.) – costing a lot of money
extravagant (adj.) – lacking restraint in spending money or using resources
🌱 Derivatives
economically (adv.) – in a way that relates to economics or is cost-effective
economize (v.) – to spend less money; to be frugal
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from the Greek 'oikonomos', meaning 'household manager'. The term evolved through Latin and French to describe prudent management of resources, first for a household, then for a state or business, emphasizing avoidance of waste.
Meaning 2：resource-efficient (economical)
economical
/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkl/
adj.
using resources like time, money, or fuel in a smart way without waste
resource-efficient
➕
/ˌriːˈsɔːs ɪˈfɪʃnt/
adj.
Describes the smart and careful use of resources like time, energy, or materials to minimize waste and maximize output.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My new washing machine is very economical with water and electricity, which is great for the environment and my bills.
My new washing machine is very economical with water and electricity, which is great for the environment and my bills.
🔗 Collocations
economical with fuel – using fuel efficiently
economical use of – efficient and careful utilization of something
economical in consumption – using very little of something when consumed
🔄 Synonyms
efficient (adj.) – achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense
fuel-efficient (adj.) – designed to use less fuel
saving (adj.) – reducing the use of a resource
🚫 Antonyms
wasteful (adj.) – using or expending something carelessly or to no purpose
inefficient (adj.) – not achieving maximum productivity; wasting resources
Wordbook
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