Meaning & Definition of word "Pare"
to
Pare
/pɛr/
verb:
- 1. to trim something by cutting away its outer edges.
- Example: She used a knife to pare the apple before serving it.
- 2. to reduce something in size, amount, or number, usually in a gradual way.
- Example: The company decided to pare down its staff to improve efficiency.
- 3. to diminish or lessen in amount or degree.
- Example: He managed to pare the costs of the project significantly.
Etymology
Middle English 'parien', from Old French 'parer', which means to prepare or to trim.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pare down:
to reduce to the essentials.
pare back:
to reduce the extent of something.
pare away:
to remove layer by layer until little is left.
Related Words
peel:
to remove the outer covering or skin from.
trim:
to make something neater by cutting away irregular or unwanted parts.
cut:
to remove something from something else using a sharp tool.
Slang Meanings of pare
Meaning: to reduce intensity or to calm down
Example Sentence: He needs to pare back his excitement about the new project.
Meaning: to simplify a situation
Example Sentence: Let's pare it down to the key points during the meeting.