economy
Pluraleconomies
Pluraleconomies
- 1The way a country makes, sells, and uses goods and money.
Like a giant machine where everyone's buying and selling keeps the parts moving.
The country's economy grew quickly last year.
When prices rise too fast, the whole economy suffers.
UsageUsually the economy.
- 2Careful use of money or things so you do not waste them.
Like saving water by turning off the tap while you brush your teeth.
We need to practice economy when money is tight.
Her sense of economy meant nothing in the house ever went to waste.
UsageSay make economies for cuts.
Similarthrift, frugality, saving, prudence, husbandry
Oppositewaste, extravagance, profligacy, prodigality
Note
- 3
Less common meanings
- 4Costing less money to buy or to use, made to help you save money.
Like buying the big bag of rice because it costs less per meal.
We bought an economy car to save on gas.
This economy model uses very little electricity.
UsageSay an economy car, but the car is economical.
Similarbudget, inexpensive, low-cost, cheap
Oppositeluxury, premium, deluxe
Note
- 5The study of how money, trade, and resources are used.
Similareconomics
- 6
- 7The management of a home, country, or organization and its resources.
Note
- 8A set of rules, rites, and ceremonies that make up a system.
Note
- 9The way the parts of a work are arranged and put together.
Note
- 10The regular workings of nature in growing, feeding, and keeping animals and plants alive.
Like the way a garden grows, feeds, and renews itself through the seasons.
Early scientists studied the economy of plants and animals.
They marveled at the economy of nature that kept every creature fed.
Note
- 11The way God is believed to rule and care for the world.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Ancient Greek 'oikonomia', meaning managing a household, from 'oîkos' (house) plus 'némō' (to distribute). It reached English through Latin and possibly Old French.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 5 facts
- The word ultimately comes from Ancient Greek oikonomia, meaning household management. en.wiktionary.org
- Its Greek roots are oîkos and némō. en.wiktionary.org
- Oîkos means house. en.wiktionary.org
- Némō means to distribute. en.wiktionary.org
- The word reached English through Latin, with Old French a possible intermediary. en.wiktionary.org