The word "penurious" is spelled with five syllables: /pəˈnjʊərɪəs/. The initial syllable is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/, followed by the stress on the second syllable with the short u sound /ʊ/. The third syllable has the schwa sound again, and the fourth syllable has the long i sound /ɪ/. The final syllable has the schwa sound and is pronounced with a slight "ee" sound. "Penurious" means extremely poor or destitute, and its spelling reflects its Latin origin, from "penuria" meaning scarcity.
Penurious is an adjective that refers to being extremely poor in material possessions or lacking in resources and wealth. The term describes individuals or situations marked by extreme frugality, scarcity, or economic hardship. It highlights the state of being impoverished or destitute, with a profound inability to meet basic needs and desires.
The word "penurious" emphasizes a severe lack of money or resources, often resulting in a meager and austere lifestyle. It denotes individuals who struggle to make ends meet and may live in conditions of extreme financial hardship. These individuals are typically unable to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing, and may lead challenging and impoverished lives.
Furthermore, "penurious" can also describe individuals who display excessive stinginess or extreme reluctance to spend money, even when they have substantial resources available to them. In this context, it implies a mindset that is rooted in extreme frugality or an unwillingness to part with money, resulting in a very modest or restrained way of living.
Overall, "penurious" characterizes both extreme economic poverty and an excessive reluctance to spend money, highlighting a significant lack of financial resources or an extremely thrifty way of life.
Excessively saving in the use of money; affording little; niggardly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "penurious" originated from the Latin word "paenuriosus". In Latin, "paenus" means "destitute" or "in need", which is derived from the Greek word "pénēs". Over time, the Latin word "paenuriosus" evolved into the Middle English word "penurius", meaning "needy" or "poor". Eventually, it transformed into the current English word "penurious", which refers to extreme poverty or extreme frugality.