Spares
/spɛərz/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo refrain from harming or destroying; to treat with mercy or leniency.
/spɛərz/
To refrain from harming or destroying; to be merciful to.
The judge spared him from a harsh sentence due to his remorse.
💡 Simply: To decide not to hurt someone or something. Like, you spare the last cookie for your friend.
👶 For kids: To not hurt someone or something.
More Examples
The soldiers were ordered to spare the civilians during the attack.
How It's Used
"The hunter spared the deer's life."
"The king spared the prisoners their lives."
To give or grant (something) to someone; to provide.
/spɛərz/
To give or grant to someone; to make available.
She spared no effort in achieving her goals.
💡 Simply: To give something, like your time or money, to someone. Like, can you spare a dollar for the charity?
👶 For kids: To give something to someone, like some of your toys!
More Examples
Can you spare a moment to talk?
How It's Used
"He spared no expense in providing for his family."
"Can you spare a few minutes to help me?"
An extra item or items kept in case the original is lost, broken, or used up.
/spɛərz/
An extra item kept in case of loss or breakage.
Always keep some spare change in your pocket.
💡 Simply: An extra thing you have just in case. Like, a spare key to your house.
👶 For kids: Something extra that you keep in case you need it, like an extra pencil!
More Examples
The mechanic replaced the broken part with a spare.
How It's Used
"He always carries spare tires in his car."
"He got a spare in the bowling game."
Synonyms
Excuse
Exempt
Forgive
Pardon
Release
Allow
Devote
Grant
Offer
Provide
Backup
Duplicate
Extra
Reserve
Antonyms
Condemn
Destroy
Harm
Punish
Deny
Refuse
Retain
Main
Original
Idioms & expressions
spare no expense
To spend as much money as is needed or desired; to be generous with financial resources.
"They spared no expense on the wedding, making it a lavish affair."
spare time
Free time; time not occupied by work or other commitments.
"I enjoy reading books in my spare time."
From Middle English *spare*, from Old English *sparian* (“to spare, be sparing”), from Proto-Germanic *sparōną* (“to spare”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)per-* (“to scatter, sow”).
The word 'spare' has been used since Old English, and its usage has remained consistent, evolving from its core meanings of preservation and giving.
Memory tip
Think of 'spare a life'. You're choosing not to take it.