Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Economical
{
Eˊco-nom′ic
(?; 277)
, Eˊco-nom′ic-al
, }Adj.
1.
Pertaining to the household; domestic.
“In this economical misfortune [of ill-assorted matrimony.]” Milton.
2.
Relating to domestic economy, or to the management of household affairs.
And doth employ her
And busy care, her household to preserve.
economic
artAnd busy care, her household to preserve.
Sir J. Davies.
3.
Managing with frugality; guarding against waste or unnecessary expense; careful and frugal in management and in expenditure; – said of character or habits.
Just rich enough, with
To save a pittance.
economic
care,To save a pittance.
Harte.
5.
of or pertaining to the national or regional economy; relating to political economy; relating to the means of living, or the resources and wealth of a country; relating to the production or consumption of goods and services of a nation or region;
as,
economic
growth; economic
purposes; economical
truths; an economic
downturn.These matters
economical
and political. J. C. Shairp.
There was no
economical
distress in England to prompt the enterprises of colonization. Palfrey.
Economic
questions, such as money, usury, taxes, lands, and the employment of the people. H. C. Baird.
6.
Regulative; relating to the adaptation of means to an end.
Grew.
☞ Economical is the usual form when meaning frugal, saving; economic is the form commonly used when meaning pertaining to the management of a household, or of public affairs.
Definition 2024
economical
economical
English
Alternative forms
- economicall (obsolete)
- œconomical (archaic)
- œconomicall (obsolete)
Adjective
economical (comparative more economical, superlative most economical)
- Careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty.
- He was an economical person by nature.
- Saving money or resources.
- The new, eco-friendly bicycle was an economical purchase.
- (archaic) Relating to economy in any other sense.
- 1854, Patrick Edward Dove, The Elements of Political Science, part 2, page 246:
- In economical science, value and the power of producing value are taken into consideration.
- 1922, Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk, Capital and Interest: A Critical History of Economical Theory, page 218:
- By Use, then, in the sense given it by the Say-Hermann school, we have to think of an objective useful element which proceeds from goods, and acquires independent economical existence as well as independent economical value.
- 2007, Who's Who in the Arab World, page 312:
- Doctor in Economical Sciences.
- 2010, New Techniques and Technologies in Mining, page 20:
- Economical function usually has anti-crisis orientation and forms stable economical development of the state.
- 1854, Patrick Edward Dove, The Elements of Political Science, part 2, page 246:
Usage notes
Modern usage prefers economic when describing the economy of a region or country (and when referring to personal or family budgeting).
Economical is preferred when referring to thrift or value for money.
Translations
careful with money
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relating to economy — see economic
saving money or resources
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