Cool MateMiserly
UK //ˈmaɪzəli//US //ˈmaɪzərli//
Definition
Unwilling to spend money; stingy.
In simple words: not willing to spend money
Examples
- He was so miserly that he wouldn't even buy a cup of coffee for his friend.
- Her miserly behavior made it hard for her to keep friends around.
- The miserly man hoarded his wealth instead of sharing it.
- Being miserly can lead to loneliness in later years.
- He had a miserly attitude towards charitable donations.
Usage notes
Used to describe someone who is very careful with money and reluctant to spend. It can be negative in tone. Avoid in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
miserly + object
Memory hint
Think of 'misery' - a miserly person is unhappy about spending money.
Collocations
- miserly behavior
- miserly attitude
- miserly person
Synonyms
- stingy
- tightfisted
- cheap
- frugal
- parsimonious
Antonyms
- generous
- lavish
- open-handed
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'parsimonious', which is more neutral in tone.
- Using it to describe something rather than a person.
- Mistaking 'miserly' for 'stingy' without context.