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Economical vs Prodigal - What's the difference?

economical | prodigal |

As adjectives the difference between economical and prodigal

is that economical is careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty while prodigal is wastefully extravagant.

As a noun prodigal is

a prodigal person, a spendthrift.

economical

English

Alternative forms

* economicall (obsolete) * (archaic) * (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Careful with money so as not to spend too much; prudent; thrifty.
  • Relating to economy in any other sense.

    • Usage notes

    Modern usage prefers economic' when describing the economy of a region or country (and when referring to personal or family budgeting).
    '     Economical     is preferred when referring to thrift or value for money.

    Derived terms

    * economically * economical with the truth

    See also

    * economic

    prodigal

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • wastefully extravagant.
    • He found himself guilty of prodigal spending during the holidays.
    He is a prodigal son.
  • (often, followed by of or with) someone yielding profusely, lavish
    • She was a merry person, glad and prodigal of smiles.
    How can he be so prodigal with money on such a tight budget?
  • profuse, lavishly abundant
  • returning after abandoning a person, group, or ideal, especially for selfish reasons; being a prodigal son.
  • * '>citation

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * (a prodigal person) frugal

    Derived terms

    * prodigal son

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A prodigal person, a spendthrift.

    • Synonyms

    * See also

    External links

    * * *