What does economise mean?
To economise means to spend or use less of something — most commonly money — whether out of necessity, prudence, or a deliberate wish to avoid waste. A household might economise on groceries during lean months; a business might economise on travel costs to protect its bottom line; a writer might economise with words to make prose sharper. The verb is typically used intransitively and often pairs with the preposition 'on', as in 'economise on energy'. It carries a pragmatic rather than moral tone: economising suggests sensible restraint and good management rather than hardship or stinginess, though context can shade it toward either. The word is chiefly British in its '-ise' form, with American English preferring 'economize'. A notable idiomatic use, 'to economise with the truth', describes someone who reveals only part of the facts — a polite way of implying deception. Derived forms include 'economising', 'economised', and the noun 'economiser'.
To spend less money or use fewer resources than before; to practise thrift or avoid waste.
"The university had to economise after funding was cut."
Usually intransitive; takes 'on' to specify what is saved. Transitive use ('economise one's resources') is formal and less common.
To be sparing or restrained in the use of something abstract, such as words, effort, or information.
"He economised with the truth when questioned by reporters."
The phrase 'to economise with the truth' turns this humble word for saving pennies into a famously polite way of saying someone is lying.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of economise
'Economise' derives from 'economy', which traces back through French 'économie' and Latin 'oeconomia' to Greek 'oikonomia', meaning household management — from 'oikos' (house) and 'nomos' (managing, distributing). The verb emerged in English around the early nineteenth century as economic thought became central to public life, forming on the model of other verbs in '-ise' derived from nouns ending in '-y'. It shares this Greek root with words such as 'economics', 'economist', and 'economical'.
Related word forms
How economise is actually used
British spelling is 'economise'; American English prefers 'economize'. The verb is most often used intransitively ('we must economise'), frequently followed by 'on' to specify what is being saved. It carries a neutral-to-pragmatic connotation — sensible restraint rather than deprivation. The idiom 'economise with the truth' is a well-known euphemism for being economical about facts one discloses.
Easily confused with economise
'Economise' is a verb meaning to save or spend less, while 'economics' is a noun referring to the study of production, consumption and wealth.