To spare

verb

To save or hold back something, like time or money, for future use.

Even though she had a busy day, she managed to spare a couple of hours for her workout.
Visual representation of "to spare" - to save or hold back something, like time or money, for future use

Often appears as...

  • spare time
  • spare change
verb

To not harm or destroy something or someone.

Please spare that tree; it's been standing there for decades.
Visual representation of "to spare" - to not harm or destroy something or someone

Often appears as...

  • spare someone's life
  • spare destruction
verb

To afford to give or lend something to someone.

Could you spare some sugar? I run out of it.
Visual representation of "to spare" - to afford to give or lend something to someone

Often appears as...

  • spare a thought
  • spare a glance
adjective

Extra or not in use.

Keep the spare tire in the trunk of the car for emergencies.
Visual representation of "to spare" - extra or not in use

Often appears as...

  • spare key
  • spare room
verb

To save or hold back something, like time or money, for future use.

Even though she had a busy day, she managed to spare a couple of hours for her workout.
Visual representation of "to spare" - to save or hold back something, like time or money, for future use

Often appears as...

  • spare time
  • spare change
verb

To not harm or destroy something or someone.

Please spare that tree; it's been standing there for decades.
Visual representation of "to spare" - to not harm or destroy something or someone

Often appears as...

  • spare someone's life
  • spare destruction
verb

To afford to give or lend something to someone.

Could you spare some sugar? I run out of it.
Visual representation of "to spare" - to afford to give or lend something to someone

Often appears as...

  • spare a thought
  • spare a glance
adjective

Extra or not in use.

Keep the spare tire in the trunk of the car for emergencies.
Visual representation of "to spare" - extra or not in use

Often appears as...

  • spare key
  • spare room
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "to spare"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Future Use

To 'spare' often means setting something aside now so it's available later.

Illustration for Future Use
I have some money spared for our vacation.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Essential

When you spare something, it's usually not essential at the moment.

Illustration for Not Essential
I can spare this textbook now as I don't need it till next semester.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Future Use

To 'spare' often means setting something aside now so it's available later.

Illustration for Future Use
I have some money spared for our vacation.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Essential

When you spare something, it's usually not essential at the moment.

Illustration for Not Essential
I can spare this textbook now as I don't need it till next semester.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Future Use

To 'spare' often means setting something aside now so it's available later.

Illustration for Future Use
I have some money spared for our vacation.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Essential

When you spare something, it's usually not essential at the moment.

Illustration for Not Essential
I can spare this textbook now as I don't need it till next semester.
Visual representation of the word "To spare"

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