Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about Miserly (AI summary)

In literature, “miserly” is often employed to characterize characters whose extreme frugality borders on greed and stinginess. Authors invoke the term to invoke both moral judgment and comic relief—for instance, the depiction of a miserly old farmer [1] or an unyielding, covetous character whose hoarding of wealth overpowers any sense of generosity [2]. At times, this adjective underlines a broader social commentary, as when a miserly disposition not only renders a character unfeeling and hard but also serves as a critique of societal attitudes towards wealth and poverty [3] [4]. Whether illustrating the parsimony of a single individual or symbolizing a prevailing cultural mindset, “miserly” remains a vivid descriptor that enriches narrative conflict and character dynamics.
  1. "You all remember Mike Marcy, the miserly old farmer whose mule we returned some time ago."
    — from Dave Porter and His Classmates; Or, For the Honor of Oak Hall by Edward Stratemeyer
  2. His one weakness is a selfish, a miserly desire to keep all this beautiful paint for himself.
    — from Unicorns by James Huneker
  3. Old M—is a covetous, miserly fellow, who has long worried and annoyed the poor lady sadly; but she has borne her afflictions patiently.
    — from The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
  4. The peasants asked him for some meadowland, I think it was, at a cheaper rate, and he refused, and I accused him of being miserly.
    — from Anna Karenina by graf Leo Tolstoy

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, Scrabble


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Compound Your Joy