spare
B1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
To refrain from using, harming, or destroying; to have more than needed and available for use.
Often describes an item held in reserve, extra time, or an act of mercy/avoidance. In emotional contexts, can mean to save someone from experiencing something unpleasant.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, can be transitive ('spare a thought') or used in negative constructions ('could not spare the time'). As an adjective, describes objects (spare tyre), time (spare moment), or a lean physique.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Spare tyre' (UK) vs. 'spare tire' (US) for car part and informal term for abdominal fat. 'Spare' used similarly for 'extra' in both.
Connotations
Largely identical. 'Spare room' is universal for guest room. The verb 'to spare' (show mercy) carries same weight.
Frequency
Comparatively high in both dialects due to utility in describing objects, time, and actions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
spare somebody somethingspare something for somebodyspare somebody from somethingspare something (negative: 'I can't spare him')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “spare no expense”
- “spare someone's blushes”
- “spare the rod and spoil the child”
- “to spare (e.g., 'time to spare')”
- “go spare (UK)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to capacity, resources, or budget not currently used ('spare production capacity', 'spare funds').
Academic
Used in statistical or resource contexts ('spare degrees of freedom', 'spare capacity').
Everyday
Overwhelmingly common for objects (keys, batteries), time, and rooms.
Technical
In engineering: 'spare parts'. In computing: 'spare disk', 'spare sector'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you spare a moment to look at this?
- The king spared the traitor's life.
- We have enough cake to spare.
American English
- Can you spare a few dollars for gas?
- The judge spared him a harsher sentence.
- We've got food to spare after the party.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Usually part of 'sparely'.)
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Usually part of 'sparely'.)
adjective
British English
- Do you have a spare battery for the torch?
- He keeps his spare keys in the garage.
- She's tall and spare of frame.
American English
- I keep a spare tire in the trunk.
- What do you do in your spare time?
- He led a spare, minimalist lifestyle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a spare pen. Do you need it?
- We have a spare room for guests.
- Can you spare five minutes to help me?
- He's on a spare diet and exercises a lot.
- The report was written in a spare, factual style.
- They spared no effort in organising the perfect wedding.
- The evidence was so compelling that the prosecution could spare few details in its closing argument.
- Her spare portrayal of grief in the novel was more powerful than any melodramatic description.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPARE tyre in the car boot – it's not being USED right now, it's EXTRA and available if needed.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESOURCE IS A CONTAINER WITH EXCESS ('I have some time to spare'). MERCY IS WITHHOLDING ACTION ('He spared the prisoner').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- 'Spare time' is 'свободное время', not 'запасное время'. 'Spare part' is 'запасная часть', correct. Beware of 'spare' as a verb meaning 'to show mercy' ('пощадить') – a different semantic field from 'extra'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'spare' as a noun for 'free time' (correct: 'spare time' is an adjective-noun phrase). Confusing 'spare' (extra) with 'save' (rescue, keep). Incorrect valency: 'Can you spare me a pen?' is correct; 'Can you spare a pen to me?' is unnatural.
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'spare no expense', what does 'spare' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are virtually synonymous in everyday use.
Yes, but mainly in specific contexts like car parts ('a spare for the car') or in bowling ('a spare'). It's not a general noun for 'extra thing'.
It means to become very angry or upset. (e.g., 'He'll go spare when he sees the mess.')
'Save' focuses on rescuing or keeping for future use. 'Spare' focuses on refraining from harming, destroying, or using. You save money, you spare someone's feelings.