paring: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “paring” mean?
The act of cutting away the outer skin or edge of something, especially fruit/vegetables.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of cutting away the outer skin or edge of something, especially fruit/vegetables; a thin piece removed by paring.
Can refer to the result of the paring process (the discarded piece) or metaphorically to the act of reducing or trimming something down to essentials.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more common in cooking contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, slightly higher in instructional/cooking texts.
Grammar
How to Use “paring” in a Sentence
[noun] of [noun] (paring of apples)[adjective] paring (careful paring)paring [prepositional phrase] (paring with a knife)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paring” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is paring the potatoes for the roast.
- The council is paring back its spending.
American English
- He's paring the apple with a sharp knife.
- The company is paring down its workforce.
adjective
British English
- A paring knife is essential for delicate work.
- The paring process was meticulous.
American English
- Use a paring knife for those small carrots.
- The paring technique requires a steady hand.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for cost-cutting or simplifying processes (e.g., 'paring of unnecessary expenses').
Academic
Rare; might appear in texts about minimalism or efficiency.
Everyday
Most common in cooking/kitchen contexts.
Technical
Used in woodworking, sculpture, or gardening for trimming.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paring”
- Confusing spelling with 'pairing'.
- Using as a verb instead of a noun (the verb is 'to pare').
- Mispronouncing as /ˈpærɪŋ/ (with short 'a').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a gerund (noun form from the verb 'to pare'), but can also function as a pure noun meaning 'a thin piece removed by paring'.
'Paring' often implies cutting away a thinner layer, sometimes with more precision or using a specific knife. 'Peeling' is more general and can involve removing larger, thicker skins, often by hand.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to mean reducing or cutting down something (e.g., 'paring down expenses', 'paring away unnecessary details').
Remember the spelling and root: 'Pare' means to cut/trim. 'Pair' means two of something. The context is key: 'paring' is about reduction; 'pairing' is about combination.
The act of cutting away the outer skin or edge of something, especially fruit/vegetables.
Paring is usually neutral to formal in register.
Paring: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeərɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈperɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “paring down to the bone (extreme reduction)”
- “paring of the fat (removing excess)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PARING sounds like 'PEAR-ing' – imagine peeling a pear and the thin PARING coming off.
Conceptual Metaphor
REDUCTION IS PEELING (paring down costs, paring away distractions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common context for the word 'paring'?