Definition of SPARE – SPARE in a Sentence

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The Definition of Spare – Sentence examples showing various contexts

This video provides 7 illustrated examples of how the word SPARE can be used. Take a moment to look at the picture, then listen and read the sentence example. Then make sure you understand the sentence. Look up in a dictionary any other words you do not understand.

Here is a transcript of the video: “The Definition of SPARE”

Slide 2:
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Let’s consider 7 illustrated sentence examples for the word SPARE.

Slide 3:
The word SPARE can be used as a transitive verb, that is a verb which accepts an object, a noun, or an adjective.

First, let’s examine 3 meanings of the word SPARE when it’s used as a transitive verb. Later in the video, we’ll seen SPARE used in an idiom.

Slide 4:
Definition 1: when killing or harming someone or something is avoided

Slide 5:
In the picture we see a helicopter dropping water on a wildfire.

The sentence reads: Although the wildfires came dangerously close, thankfully the buildings on the edge of town were spared.

In other words, damage and harm were avoided. The buildings on the edge of town were spared, or escaped being destroyed.

Slide 6:
Definition 2: to be lenient, showing consideration or kindness to someone, to hold back, withhold or avoid

Slide 7:
In the picture we see a woman telling her husband off.

The sentence reads: When she found out her husband had lost money gambling again, she didn’t spare him.

In other words, she didn’t hold back from using strong words to express her anger. She let her husband feel the full force of her feelings, not sparing him or reducing the intensity.

Here’s another example . . .

Slide 8:
The picture shows a woman holding her hand up to stop her husband from talking.

The sentence reads: When he started to describe the accident at work, she said: “Please, spare me the gory details.”

In other words, she asked her husband to hold back or show consideration by not telling her all the unpleasant details of the accident, such as the amount of blood and details of the injury.

Slide 9:
Definition 3: to give from one’s resources

Slide 10:
The picture shows a beggar in the street talking to a woman.

The sentence reads: The beggar called out to the lady who was passing: “Can you spare a few coins for a homeless man?”

Here “spare a few coins” means to give some money.

Now let’s see an example of SPARE as a noun.

Slide 11:
Definition: a replacement reserved for a future need, if the same type of item is lost or broken

Slide 12:
We see a picture of an old automobile with the spare wheel attached to the back.

The sentence reads: Many modern car manufacturers no longer supply a spare in order to make savings with cost, space, and weight.

Note: a spare wheel is often referred to simply as “a spare”

Now let’s see SPARE used as an adjective.

Slide 13:
Definition: in addition or in excess to what is needed

Slide 14:
In the picture we see two people holding pens.

The sentence reads: She said to her colleague: “My pen has stopped working. Do you have a spare one you can lend me?”

Here “spare one” refers to a pen the other person has which is extra or that they are not using.

Finally, let’s look at an idiom that uses the word SPARE.

Slide 15:
DRIVE YOU SPARE
Definition: something you find extremely annoying and irritating
(synonym: “drive you crazy”) This is informal English.

Slide 16:
In the picture we see a dog barking through a fence.

The sentence reads: She told her friend: “My neighbour’s dog never stops barking. It’s driving me spare!”

Here, “driving me spare” means the neighbour finds the dog’s barking very annoying and irritating. It’s driving her crazy.

Slide 17:
So, to summarize. Remember . . .

SPARE (tr.v.)

1. when killing or harming someone or something is avoided
2. to be lenient, showing consideration or kindness to someone, to hold back, withhold or avoid
3. to give from one’s resources

SPARE (n.)
a replacement reserved for a future need, if the same type of item is lost or broken

SPARE (adj.)
in addition or in excess to what is needed

DRIVE YOU SPARE (idiom)
something that causes annoyance and irritation

Slide 18:
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Now you understand clearly the meaning of SPARE, check other words in The Illustrated Dictionary such as:
The Meaning of CONCEPT

Image Credits

Slide 5 – wildfires
Royalty Free
Courtesy of janekszy46 at Pixaby.com
https://pixabay.com/photos/helicopter-fire-smoke-fire-fight-2142140/

Slide 7 – angry wife
Royalty Free
https://pikwizard.com/photo/angry-senior-woman-yelling-on-senior-man/8331d4da8e99bfe313c626df31ecb19b/

Slide 8 – conversation
Royalty Free
https://pikwizard.com/photo/a-middle-aged-caucasian-man-appears-to-be-having-a-conversation-with-a-woman-with-copy-space/cef4aaa448494bf1195906430f8a13e1/

Slide 10 – beggar
Royalty Free
Courtesy of “hotblack” at morguefile.com
https://morguefile.com/p/861766

Slide 12 – spare wheel
Royalty Free
Courtesy of “analogicus” at pixabay.com
https://pixabay.com/photos/antique-car-automobile-4435361/

Slide 14 – pen
Royalty Free
Courtesy of “Aymanejed” at pixabay.com
https://pixabay.com/photos/laptop-office-hand-writing-3196481/

Slide 16 – dog barking
Royalty Free
Courtesy of “tyxop” at morguefile.com
https://morguefile.com/p/68146

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Royalty Free
The image may be used for almost any business, personal, educational or charitable purpose as long as a credit is published to the creator of the image.

If you are interested in the definition of SPARE, be sure to check this entry in The Illustrated Dictionary:
The Meaning of FASHIONABLE – FASHIONABLE in a Sentence

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