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Spare
Adjective: extra or supplementary; as a verb, to refrain from harming or to give (spare a minute); as a noun, a spare item kept in reserve.
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Imagine This
Imagine a toolbox with a drawer labeled Spare that holds extra screws and a spare tire in the trunk of a car; you also set aside a small amount of spare time in your day just in case something unexpected comes up.
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Sounds Like
/spɛər/ (sounds like 'spair'; rhymes with care)
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Looks Like
Looks like sparse (similar letters, different meaning)
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Remember This
Spare often means keeping something in reserve or extra. Common phrases include spare time, spare parts, and spare no expense. Beware the common confusion with sparse, which means thinly dispersed.
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Other Forms
sparedverb
sparesverb
sparesnoun
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Connect With
reserve, extra, backup, surplus, hold, spare parts
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Note
Use spare before a noun to mean 'extra' (spare tire, spare key). The verb sense means to refrain from harming or to give something (spare a minute, spare someone's feelings). In fixed phrases, 'spare no expense' means to spend generously without limiting cost.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- I always carry a spare umbrella in my bag in case it suddenly starts raining.
- Could you spare a few minutes to help me with this problem?
Synonyms
extraadditionalsurplusreservebackup
Antonyms
necessaryessentialrequired
Etymology
From Old English sparian 'to spare, refrain', related to Proto-Germanic *sparjan-; the sense 'extra' developed from keeping something in reserve.
Mnemonic
SPARE: Save Parts And Reserve Extras
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Nebulous
adjectiveDescribing something that is hazy, vague, or not clearly defined; lacking definite shape or detail.
Decadence
nounA decline in cultural and moral standards, often accompanied by excessive self-indulgence and luxury.
Dissent
nounA public or formal expression of disagreement with a policy, decision, or widely held view.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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