spare etymology

Etymology

The word "spare" has its origins in the Old English word "sparian," which means "to save or protect." It is related to the Old Norse word "spara," which also means "to save or protect."

Meaning

The word "spare" has several related meanings:

• To refrain from using, spending, or damaging something
• To have something extra or unused
• To have mercy or compassion on someone
• To be left over or unused

Origin

The word "spare" has been in use in the English language since the 12th century. It is derived from the Old English word "sparian," which was used to refer to the act of saving or protecting something. The word "sparian" is itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*spere-," which means "to save or protect." This root is also found in other words such as "spar," "sparrow," and "sperry."

Examples

• "I have a spare tire in my trunk."
• "Please spare me your pity."
• "The leftovers will be enough for a spare meal."
• "He spared the life of his enemy."

spare relate terms

• spareribs

  Etymology Middle English spare rib Old English spêre rib Proto Germanic sparō rib

• spare

  Etymology The word spare has its origins in the Old English word sparian which means

• spar

  Etymology The word spar has multiple origins Indo European From the Proto Indo Eur

• sparing

  Etymology The word sparing originates from the Old English word sparian which means

• spare

  Etymology The word spare has its origins in the Old English word sparian which means

• unsparing

  Etymology The word unsparing comes from Middle English unsparyng which in turn deri

• spare

  Etymology The word spare has its origins in the Old English word sparian which means

• save

  Etymology Old French sauve Latin salvus whole safe Meaning To protect or

• plain

  Etymology Plain derives from the Old French word plain which in turn comes from the

• scanty

  Etymology The word scanty is derived from the Old French word escante which in turn

• frugality

  Etymology The word frugality comes from the Latin word frugalitas which means thri

• parsimony

  Etymology Latin parsimonia meaning sparingness thriftiness Proto Indo European

• lean

  Etymology Derived from the Old English word hlænan meaning to lean or incline Ger

• skulk

  Etymology Middle English sculken from Old English scūlian to lurk hide Proto Ger

• refrain

  Etymology Old French refraindre Medieval Latin refrangere Latin re back frang