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Mr. Tom Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary

Use of "reduced" with lifestyle

Hi

Is this expression natural?

Although they earn well, their lifestyle is fairly reduced.

[meaning that they are very careful in spending on clothes, dining out, shopping, etc.]

Thanks,

Tom
  

Top answer

I suggest modest, meaning the opposite of extravagant. Reduced suggests 'less than it was before', which does not seem to be the meaning you want. Clive

— Clive

  • I suggest modest, meaning the opposite of extravagant.
  • Reduced suggests 'less than it was before', which does not seem to be the meaning you want.
  • Clive
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6 Answers
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I suggest modest, meaning the opposite of extravagant.

Reduced suggests 'less than it was before', which does not seem to be the meaning you want.

Clive
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Thanks, Clive.

But I want to tell you that the writer is politely talking about the people who are tight-fisted and very unwilling to spend money. I hope "modest" would not sound positive in meaning? Please let me know.

Tom
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But I want to tell you that the writer is politely talking about the people who are tight-fisted and very unwilling to spend money. How about simply this?
eg They don't like to spend money.


I hope "modest" would not sound positive in meaning? 'Modest' is not a negative word
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Economical.
Careful.
Cheap.
Miserly.
Stingy.
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Thanks, Clive and Blue Jay.

So, all of these are natural expressions?

Although they earn well, their lifestyle is fairly economical..
Although they earn well, their lifestyle is fairly careful.
Although they earn well, their lifestyle is fairly cheap.
Although they earn well, their lifestyle is fairly miserly.
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Yes. Careful can only be used if the context makes it clear what you mean.
Economical and careful are neutral terms. Cheap, miserly and stingy all sound negative.
You can also use frugal or parsimonious.
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