economical

Everyday

1. Using money, fuel, time or materials carefully without waste. tree →
2. Cheap to run or use, giving good value. tree →
3. economical with the truth (informal, humorous): not telling the whole truth. tree →

In the lessons

In maths shopping problems: "which pack is more economical?" means which gives more for the money (best value). In everyday life: an economical car uses little petrol. Phrases: economical with, economical to run, more economical.

Examples

• The big box of cereal is more economical than two small ones. tree →
• Our new car is very economical on petrol. tree →
• Be economical with the glue so it lasts. tree →
• Which is more economical: 6 eggs for 3 dollars or 12 eggs for 5 dollars? tree →
• Walking is the most economical way to get to school. tree →
• He was being economical with the truth. tree →
• No matter what was put into it, it cooked deliciously whatever was wanted without any firing—truly a very economical saucepan. tree →

Note

Do not confuse with "economic", which means about the economy or money in general (economic news). Maths: to find the more economical deal, work out the price of one item (unit price) and compare.