penurious

1. Extremely poor; poverty-stricken.

   synonyms:impoverisheddestitute

2. Reluctant to spend money; stingy.

   synonyms:miserlyfrugal

Derived from the Latin word 'penurosus', meaning 'full of poverty', from 'penuria', meaning 'poverty'. The word evolved through Middle English before taking its modern form in the 19th century.

While 'penurious' can describe someone's financial state, it is often used in a literary or formal context rather than in everyday conversation.

This word is not commonly used in everyday language, making it more likely to appear in literature or formal discussions.

Despite his penurious upbringing, he managed to become a successful entrepreneur.

The charity aims to support penurious families in the community by providing essential resources.

Her penurious habits often led her to turn down invitations to expensive outings.

The word 'penurious' paints a vivid picture of extreme poverty and frugality. Originating from Latin, it has traveled through time to find its place in the English language, often evoking a sense of sympathy for those in dire financial situations. While it may not be a term you hear at the coffee shop, it certainly has a strong presence in literature and discussions about economics. So, the next time you encounter someone who is particularly tight with their money, consider calling them penurious—it adds a touch of sophistication to the description!