Sparing
'spɛːrɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsAvoiding waste; economical or frugal in the use of resources.
'spɛːrɪŋ
Economical or thrifty
She was sparing with her praise, but when she gave it, it meant a lot.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a delicious cake, but you only have a little bit of sugar left. Being sparing means using just enough to make it sweet without running out before you're done. It's about not wasting!
👶 For kids: Being sparing means using only a little bit of something so it can last longer.
More Examples
The company's sparing use of energy helped reduce their carbon footprint.
How It's Used
"A sparing use of resources is essential for long-term financial stability."
"Use a sparing amount of oil when sautéing vegetables to keep them healthy."
Showing mercy, restraint, or leniency.
'spɛːrɪŋ
Showing mercy or leniency
The teacher was sparing in her criticism, focusing on positive reinforcement.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game and your friend makes a small mistake. Being sparing means you're gentle and understanding, not harsh or critical. It's about being kind and holding back judgment.
👶 For kids: When you're sparing, you're being nice and not too hard on someone.
More Examples
The king was sparing in his execution of the rebels.
How It's Used
"The judge was sparing in his sentencing, considering the defendant's remorse."
"The general ordered a sparing attack, aiming to minimize civilian casualties."
Synonyms
Economical
Frugal
Prudent
Clement
Compassionate
Lenient
Merciful
From Middle English sparen, from Old English sparian ('to be sparing, to refrain'), from Proto-Germanic *sparōną ('to save, economize'). Related to words meaning 'spare'.
Historically, 'sparing' has been used to describe both economy and leniency, appearing in both legal and literary texts.