From the options given below, choose the correct synonym which is the nearest…

Concept

A synonym is a word that carries the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. To pick the nearest synonym, fix the core meaning of the key word first, then match it against each choice by sense, and watch out for antonyms, which mean the opposite.

Application

"Parsimonious" describes someone who is excessively unwilling to spend money or resources, that is, miserly, stingy, or frugal to a fault. The needed word must express this same idea of extreme tight-fistedness.

"Penurious" carries exactly this sense: extremely sparing or stingy with money, and by extension extremely poor. It matches the core meaning of being unwilling to spend.

Contrast

• Pessimistic: expecting the worst outcome; about a gloomy outlook, not about spending money.

• Generous: freely giving and open-handed; this is the opposite of being tight with money.

• Despondent: in low spirits, dejected; an emotional state, unrelated to thriftiness.

Only "Penurious" shares the meaning of extreme miserliness, so it is the nearest synonym of "Parsimonious".