thrift etymology

Etymology

The word "thrift" comes from the Middle English word "thrifte," which in turn derives from the Old English word "þrift" (pronounced "thrivt").

Meaning

Thrift refers to the following concepts:

• Saving or frugality: The habit of using money and resources wisely, avoiding waste.
• Prosperity or wealth: A state of financial well-being, often achieved through thrift.
• Old-fashioned simplicity: A lifestyle characterized by simplicity and lack of extravagance.

Origin

The origin of the word "thrift" can be traced back to the Indo-European root "*trep-," meaning "to turn" or "to return." This root is believed to have given rise to the Old English word "þrift," which originally meant "a turn" or "a change for the better."

Over time, the meaning of "þrift" gradually evolved to refer to the saving and accumulation of wealth. By the 15th century, it had become synonymous with frugality and financial prudence.

In the 16th century, the word "thrift" began to be used in a broader sense to describe not only financial prosperity but also a lifestyle that emphasized simplicity and avoiding extravagance. This meaning has remained prevalent to this day.

thrift relate terms

• spendthrift

  Etymology Old English spendthrift recorded from the 13th century From spend from

• spend

  Etymology The word spend comes from the Middle English word spenden which in turn co

• thrift

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

• thrifty

  Etymology Middle English thrifty from Old English þriftig thriving successful Ger

• thrift

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

• thrive

  Etymology The word thrive originates from the Old Norse word þrífask which means

• thriving

  Etymology The word thriving comes from the Middle English word thriven which means

• parsimony

  Etymology Latin parsimonia meaning sparingness thriftiness Proto Indo European

• saving

  Etymology Old French saver Late Latin salvare to rescue preserve keep intact Pr

• economic

  Etymology The word economy is derived from the Greek word oikonomia which means ma

• drift

  Etymology The word drift comes from the Middle English word drifen which means to

• vest

  Etymology The word vest derives from the Old French veste which originated from the

• economy

  Etymology Oikos Greek house or household Nomos Greek law or management

• frugality

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

• shop

  Etymology The word shop originates from the Old English term scopp which means she

• ostensible

  Etymology Latin ostendere to show exhibit Past participle ostensus French os

• dauphin

  Etymology and Origin The word dauphin derives from the Latin word delphinus meaning