parsimony etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: parsimonia, meaning "sparingness," "thriftiness"
• Proto-Indo-European: *perk- ("to ask, pray")

Meaning:

• The practice of using the simplest and most economical means to achieve a goal.
• A principle in scientific research that favors the most concise and simplest explanation that adequately accounts for the observed data.

Origin:

The term "parsimony" comes from the Latin word "parsimonia," which originally meant "sparingness" or "thriftiness." It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *perk-, meaning "to ask, pray." Over time, the meaning of "parsimony" evolved to include the idea of using the simplest means to achieve an end, as in asking for only what is necessary.

In the scientific context, the principle of parsimony was first formally proposed by the English philosopher and polymath William of Ockham in the 14th century. Ockham's Razor, as it became known, states that "the simplest explanation that accounts for the observed data is the most likely to be true." This principle has since become a fundamental guiding principle in scientific research and theory building.

Usage:

• Parsimony of speech: Using only simple and necessary words.
• Parsimony in design: Creating a product or structure with the fewest possible components.
• Parsimony in explanation: Providing the most concise and direct explanation for a phenomenon.

parsimony relate terms

• parsimonious

  Etymology Latin parcere to spare Middle French parsimonieux frugal thrifty

• parsimony

  Etymology Latin parsimonia meaning sparingness thriftiness Proto Indo European

• thrift

  Etymology The word thrift comes from the Middle English word thrifte which in turn d

• stepmother

  Etymology The word stepmother is derived from two Old English words steop meanin

• frugality

  Etymology The word frugality comes from the Latin word frugalitas which means thri

• ballpark

  Etymology The term ballpark originated in the 19th century from the early days of baseb

• sonnet

  Etymology The word sonnet derives from the Occitan word sonet or sonet meaning li

• refrain

  Etymology Old French refraindre Medieval Latin refrangere Latin re back frang

• grim

  Etymology The word grim has its origins in the Old English word grima meaning fierc

• brain

  Etymology The word brain is derived from the Old English word brægen which is cogna

• burgeon

  Etymology The word burgeon originates from the Middle French word bourjon meaning