Etymology Map
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Frugal

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means sparing with money or food

Where does the word "frugal" come from? It comes from Latin frugalis, adopted directly into English (1590s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
frugalis
Latin · ancient
"economical"
from 'frux', fruit, produce: living on one's produce
2
Stage 2 of 2
frugal
English · 1590s
"economical"
'frugality' followed
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Read the full story

Frugal’s story begins in Latin: frugalis meant “economical.” From 'frux', fruit, produce: living on one's produce. It reached English by 1590s as frugal. 'frugality' followed. Today, frugal means sparing with money or food.