Dictionary monolingual
English
Cheap
tʃip
Very common
~ 1500
~ 1500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Cheap -
Inexpensive, low cost
Example: I bought this shirt for a really cheap price at the outlet store.
Usage: informalContext: shopping, everyday conversations
Note: Commonly used to describe something that is affordable or costs less than expected.
Of low quality, inferior
Example: The cheap materials used in this product make it break easily.
Usage: informalContext: product reviews, discussions about products/services
Note: This usage implies that the item may not be durable or well-made.
Stingy, unwilling to spend money
Example: He's so cheap, he never wants to split the bill when we go out.
Usage: informalContext: describing someone's behavior
Note: Can have a negative connotation when used to describe a person who is reluctant to spend money.
Cheap's synonyms
inexpensive
Inexpensive means not costing a lot of money, affordable.
Example: The store offers a wide range of inexpensive clothing options.
Note: Inexpensive is a more positive and polite way to describe something as not expensive.
affordable
Affordable means reasonably priced within one's budget.
Example: This restaurant is quite affordable, and the food is delicious.
Note: Affordable implies that the price is within reach or manageable for most people.
economical
Economical means providing good value for the money spent.
Example: Buying in bulk is a more economical way to shop for groceries.
Note: Economical suggests efficiency in terms of saving money or resources.
budget-friendly
Budget-friendly means suitable for a limited budget.
Example: They offer a variety of budget-friendly vacation packages.
Note: Budget-friendly specifically refers to being friendly or accommodating to one's budget.
reasonably priced
Reasonably priced means priced fairly or sensibly.
Example: The hotel rooms are spacious and reasonably priced.
Note: Reasonably priced indicates that the cost is justified or appropriate for the product or service offered.
Cheap expressions, common phrases
A penny saved is a penny earned
This phrase means that saving money is just as valuable as earning it. It emphasizes the importance of being thrifty and frugal.
Example: I always look for discounts and sales because a penny saved is a penny earned.
Note: This phrase focuses on the value of saving money rather than just the concept of something being inexpensive.
Bargain hunter
A person who actively seeks out good deals and discounts is called a bargain hunter. They enjoy finding products at low prices.
Example: My mom is a real bargain hunter; she always finds the best deals.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the skill and enjoyment of finding good deals, rather than just the idea of something being cheap.
Cut-rate
Cut-rate refers to something being sold at a reduced or discounted price compared to the usual rate.
Example: I found this cut-rate airline ticket for half the price of regular fares.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to a reduced price but may not always carry the negative connotation associated with the word 'cheap.'
Dirt cheap
Dirt cheap means extremely inexpensive or very low-priced. It implies that the price is so low, it's as cheap as dirt.
Example: I bought this dress for dirt cheap at the thrift store sale.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the extremely low cost of something, using 'dirt' to convey that it is almost worthless in terms of price.
On the cheap
Doing something on the cheap means finding a low-cost or inexpensive way to achieve a desired outcome.
Example: They furnished their apartment on the cheap by buying second-hand furniture.
Note: This phrase describes the act of achieving something at a low cost, focusing on the method of saving money rather than just the price itself.
Penny-pincher
A penny-pincher is someone who is very careful with their money and reluctant to spend it unnecessarily.
Example: My grandpa is a real penny-pincher; he never spends money unless he absolutely has to.
Note: This phrase describes a person who is frugal and thrifty, focusing on their behavior towards money rather than just the concept of cheapness.
Thrifty
Being thrifty means being careful with money and not wasting it. It involves making wise and economical use of resources.
Example: She's very thrifty and always manages to find quality items at low prices.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the prudent and wise use of money, focusing on making smart choices rather than just spending less.
Cheap everyday (slang) expressions
Cheapo
Cheapo is a slang term used to describe something or someone of low cost or poor quality. It is often used informally to refer to inexpensive or shoddy items.
Example: I found a cheapo phone case online.
Note: Cheapo has a slightly more informal and sometimes slightly derogatory connotation compared to just saying 'cheap'.
Cheapskate
Cheapskate is a slang term used to describe a person who is unwilling to spend money, especially when it comes to others or in social situations. It often carries a negative connotation.
Example: Don't be such a cheapskate; buy your friend a birthday gift!
Note: While 'cheap' can simply mean low cost, 'cheapskate' specifically implies stinginess or reluctance to spend money.
Tightwad
Tightwad is a slang term similar to 'cheapskate', used to describe someone who is very unwilling to spend money. It also carries a negative judgment of the person's attitude towards money.
Example: He's such a tightwad; he never offers to pay for anything!
Note: Like 'cheapskate', 'tightwad' has a stronger implication of miserliness compared to just saying 'cheap'.
Skinflint
Skinflint is a slang term used to describe a person who is extremely reluctant to spend money, often with a sense of greed or selfishness. It has a negative connotation.
Example: My boss is such a skinflint; she never approves any budget requests.
Note: 'Skinflint' suggests an even greater degree of miserliness or excessive frugality than the term 'cheap'.
Cheap - Examples
Cheap flights are available if you book in advance.
I bought a cheap dress at the thrift store.
This restaurant is known for its delicious food at a cheap price.
Cheap grammar
Cheap - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: cheap
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): cheaper
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): cheapest
Adjective (Adjective): cheap
Syllables, Separation and Stress
cheap Contains 1 syllables: cheap
Phonetic transcription: ˈchēp
cheap , ˈchēp (The red syllable is stressed)
Cheap - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
cheap: ~ 1500 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.