economical
UK/ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkl/US/.i:kә'nɒmikәl/
IELTSTOEFLGREB2
Definitions
adj.
Using money, time, or resources carefully and without waste; good value for money
节约的，节省的；经济实惠的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedecoenvironment, ecology
+
-icalrelating to, having the nature of
=economical
economy (in its 'thrift / careful management' sense) + -ical = managing resources carefully, like a thrifty householder. This is the 'money-saving' branch of the family — distinct from economic ('relating to the economy').
Root nom still carries 15 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.economical car省油的车
- 2.economical option实惠的选择
- 3.fuel-economical省油的
- 4.economical with节省……的
Example Sentences
- 1.
A small car is more economical on long trips.
- 2.
We need a more economical way to heat the house.
- 3.
She is economical with her words, saying only what matters.
Easily Confused
economical vs economic — economical = thrifty, money-saving (an economical car). economic = relating to the economy (economic growth). Also note the idiom 'economical with the truth' = not telling the whole truth.