spares
|spares|
🇺🇸
/spɛrz/
🇬🇧
/speəz/
(spare)
economical use
Etymology
'spare' originates from Old English, specifically the verb 'spǣrian' / 'spearian' (to spare), ultimately from a Proto-Germanic root *spar- meaning 'to save or spare'.
'spare' changed from Old English forms such as 'spǣrian' and Middle English 'sparen' and eventually became the modern English word 'spare'. It is cognate with German 'sparen' and Dutch 'sparen'.
Initially, it meant 'to save or refrain from using/ harming' and over time it developed related senses such as 'an extra kept in reserve' and 'to refrain from punishing'; these senses survive in modern English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'spare': extra items kept in reserve to replace lost, broken, or worn parts (e.g., spare tires, spare parts).
The mechanic keeps several spares for the older cars in the garage.
Synonyms
Verb 1
third-person singular form of 'spare': to refrain from harming, punishing, or killing; to refrain from using or consuming; to give or afford something extra or to save.
She spares no effort to make the event a success.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/01 13:59