Words / B2

SPAIR/speə/

Spare means extra and not in use; as a verb, to afford to give, or not to harm: a spare calculator; spare no expense. Extra is everyday; leftover is unused remainder. A spare calculator is allowed. Mix-up: spear is a weapon; spare as “lean” is a body sense. Do not write spare for “save someone a seat” without the extra object.

Meaning

Extra, not being used; also (verb) to afford to give, or to not harm someone.

Examples

• “A spare calculator is allowed; a phone is not, the JCQ notice said.”
• “Spare a minute for the consent form, which is the afford-to-give sense.”

Good to know

a spare + noun; spare time; spare + person + noun. Everyday: extra. Trap: spear. Exams and requests. Extra, or afford to give — not a weapon.

Near in meaning

extra

New