thrift
UK: θrɪft | US: θrɪft
n. 1. The quality of using money and resources carefully and not wastefully; frugality.
n. 2. A savings bank or credit union (archaic, chiefly British).
thrift = thriv<prosper> + t<noun suffix>
- thriv (from Old Norse þrífa, meaning "to grasp/prosper") → Evolved into Middle English thriven ("to thrive"), later associated with prosperity through careful management.
- t → A nominal suffix, often marking abstract nouns in Old English.
Etymology Origin:
The word thrift originated from Old Norse þrífa ("to grasp"), which entered Middle English as thriven ("to thrive"). Over time, the sense shifted from general prosperity to the idea of prospering through frugality (16th century). The noun form thrift emerged to describe the quality of careful resource management, reflecting the logic that thriving stems from prudent use.
Her thrift allowed her to save enough for a house.
The shop promotes thrift by selling second-hand goods.
In Victorian times, thrift was considered a moral virtue.
He opened an account at the local thrift society.
Modern minimalism often aligns with principles of thrift.