spare
speh-uh
Spare (adjective) means Extra; kept in reserve in case it is needed. Example: “We keep a spare tyre in the boot of the car in case of a puncture.”
adjective
1
Extra; kept in reserve in case it is needed.
"We keep a spare tyre in the boot of the car in case of a puncture."
"He always carries a spare key in his wallet."
"She packed a spare pair of shoes just in case."
2
Lean or thin, especially of a person's build.
"The old farmer was a spare man with weathered hands and a quiet voice."
"Years of hill walking had left her with a spare, athletic figure."
"The marathon runner had a spare, wiry frame."
verb
1
To refrain from harming, punishing, or destroying something or someone.
"The storm passed over the village, but it did not spare the old barn."
"Please spare my feelings and tell me the truth, even if it hurts."
"The judge decided to spare the young offender a prison sentence."
2
To make something available, especially time or money, for someone else's use.
"I can only spare an hour this afternoon, so let's be quick."
"Could you spare a few pounds for the charity collection tin?"
"Could you spare five minutes to look over my report?"
How to use spare
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKept in reserve, or lean/thin — as a verb, to show mercy or to give up something you have to offer.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
spare time
spare part
spare no expense
spare someone's feelings
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Word forms
- Plural
- spares
- Third person singular
- spares
- Past tense
- spared
- Comparative
- sparer
- Superlative
- sparest
- Archaic forms
- sparest, sparedst, spareth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We keep a _____ tyre in the boot of the car in case of a puncture.
Etymology
From Old English spær, meaning "sparing" or "scant," from a Germanic root related to frugality.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for spare
See all rhymes for spare →Frequently asked questions
What does “spare” mean?
The word “spare” means extra; kept in reserve in case it is needed. In plain terms, kept in reserve, or lean/thin — as a verb, to show mercy or to give up something you have to offer.
How do you pronounce “spare”?
“Spare” is pronounced speh-uh (/spɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spare” in a sentence?
Here is “spare” used in a sentence: “He always carries a spare key in his wallet.”
What part of speech is “spare”?
Depending on how it is used, “spare” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “spare” come from?
The word “spare” comes from Old English. From Old English spær, meaning "sparing" or "scant," from a Germanic root related to frugality.
Is “spare” a common word?
“Spare” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “spare” have?
“Spare” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extra; kept in reserve in case it is needed.
What is the difference between spare and extra?
"Spare" means kept in reserve in case it is needed, like a spare tyre or a spare key. "Extra" means more than what is needed or usual. Something spare is deliberately set aside for future use, while extra simply means additional.
What is the difference between spare and surplus?
"Spare" means kept back in reserve for possible future use. "Surplus" means an amount left over beyond what is required, often in larger quantities. A spare part is held ready, whereas surplus stock is simply excess.
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