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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

 Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.​​​​​​​​

 Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

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sparing

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How to pronounce sparing (audio)

Dictionary definition of sparing

Using something carefully or in small quantities to avoid wasting or depleting it.
"The traveler was sparing with their packing, only bringing essentials for the trip."

Detailed meaning of sparing

It can also mean being economical or frugal in the use of resources or materials. For example, a sparing use of water during a drought is important to ensure that there is enough for everyone to use. Similarly, a chef might use sparing amounts of expensive spices in a dish to maximize their flavor and make the most of their supply. In general, being sparing can be seen as a responsible and considerate approach to using resources, whether they be tangible or intangible.

Example sentences containing sparing

1. She used sparing amounts of salt in the recipe.
2. His sparing use of words made his point clear.
3. They managed their resources sparingly.
4. She wore sparing makeup for a natural look.
5. The chef added herbs sparingly for flavor.
6. He approached criticism with sparing kindness.

History and etymology of sparing

The adjective 'sparing' has its etymological roots in the Old English word 'sparian,' which meant 'to refrain from' or 'to spare.' This Old English term was closely related to the Old Norse word 'sparr,' which also conveyed the idea of refraining or holding back. Over time, 'sparing' came to be associated with the act of using something carefully or in small quantities to avoid wasting or depleting it. It reflects the notion of showing restraint and conservation when dealing with resources, whether it be money, time, or materials. The etymology of 'sparing' emphasizes the historical connection between the word and the concept of using resources judiciously and frugally, which remains central to its meaning today.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective sparing:

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Further usage examples of sparing

1. The desert plant survives with sparing water.
2. The author's prose was sparing yet impactful.
3. They practiced sparing spending to save money.
4. The hiker packed food sparingly for the trip.
5. He offered sparing praise to motivate his team.
6. The artist used color sparingly for emphasis.
7. She practiced sparing use of digital devices.
8. The organization allocated funds sparingly.
9. He delivered criticism with sparing criticism.
10. The athlete trained sparingly to avoid injury.
11. She decorated the room with sparing ornaments.
12. He applied perfume sparingly to avoid overpowering.
13. The budget allowed for sparing luxuries.
14. They utilized time sparingly to meet the deadline.
15. The doctor advised the patient to use the medication sparingly to avoid any side effects.
16. She was sparing with her compliments, but when she gave them, they meant a lot.
17. He had to be sparing with his phone's battery since he forgot his charger at home.
18. The chef used sparing amounts of salt in the recipe to keep it healthy.
19. The team manager was sparing with the company's budget to ensure long-term profitability.
20. The coach was sparing with his criticism of the players, focusing on positive feedback instead.
21. The artist was known for her sparing use of color in her paintings, creating a minimalist effect.
22. The CEO encouraged his employees to be sparing with their time on social media during work hours.
23. The environmentalist promoted sparing use of plastic to reduce pollution in the oceans.
24. The teacher was sparing with homework assignments, preferring to focus on in-class learning.
25. The author was known for her sparing use of dialogue in her writing, creating a sense of tension and mystery.

Caution and Prudence, Denial and Defiance, Rigor and Rebellion, Restraint and Moderation

cautious,conservative,economical,frugal,judicious,modest,parsimonious,restrained,scanty,thrifty

conserving,meager,preserving,scant,scrimping

frugal, wasteful, extravagant, lavish

eb68db_82c7595770174031bb5a8625f16316a1.mp3

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