VocabDictionary

niggard

/ˈnɪɡərd/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A stingy or miserly person who is reluctant to spend, give, or share resources.

Example Sentences:
  • The old niggard refused to donate even a single coin to the village charity.
  • He lived like a poor man despite his immense wealth, proving himself a true niggard.
2.adjective

Stingy, miserly, or grudgingly small in quantity.

Example Sentences:
  • She was notoriously niggard with her praise, rarely offering compliments.
  • The management provided a niggard allowance for the project's travel expenses.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “niggard”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English 'nigard', likely from 'nig' (stingy, miserly), probably of Scandinavian origin (akin to Old Norse 'hnöggr' meaning stingy or frugal), combined with the pejorative suffix '-ard'. Etymologically and historically completely unrelated to the racial slur, though the similarity in sound often causes social misunderstanding and avoidance of the term.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone who is 'niggardly' or tight with their money, guarding every nickel like a 'niggard'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “niggard

1. What is the meaning of “niggard” in English?

In English, niggard (noun) is defined as: “A stingy or miserly person who is reluctant to spend, give, or share resources.”.

2. How do you use “niggard” in a sentence?

The old niggard refused to donate even a single coin to the village charity.

3. What are English synonyms of “niggard”?

Common synonyms include:miser,skinflint,churl,pinchpenny

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “niggard”?

Middle English 'nigard', likely from 'nig' (stingy, miserly), probably of Scandinavian origin (akin to Old Norse 'hnöggr' meaning stingy or frugal), combined with the pejorative suffix '-ard'. Etymologically and historically completely unrelated to the racial slur, though the similarity in sound often causes social misunderstanding and avoidance of the term.