Language Research

spare · adjective

/speər/Full view

spare time

A2 time when you are not working

Dictionary example:

I like to do a bit of gardening in my spare time.

Learner example:

I like to play baseball and read in my spare time. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

spare

B1 If something is spare, it is available to use, because it is extra and not being used.

Dictionary examples:

a spare key/tyre

Have you got a spare pen?

We've got a spare room if you want to stay overnight with us.

Could I have a word with you when you've got a spare moment/minute?

"Do you want this cake?" "Yes, if it's going spare."

Learner example:

You know I'm not good at writing letter[s], [but] do write [to] me if you have a spare minute. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Farsi)

spare · verb

/speər/

spare

C1 T to give time or money to someone

Dictionary examples:

I have to go soon, but I can spare a few minutes.

Can you spare me some change?

Learner example:

Thank you for sparing your time to read my letter and I look forward to the next edition of your newspaper. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Korean)

to spare

C1 If you have time, money, etc. to spare, you have more than you need.

Dictionary example:

I arrived at the station with more than an hour to spare.

Learner example:

I even started to do the shopping on the Net, and I think this is the perfect solution for the busines[s] woman with family and little time to spare. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Italian)

spare no effort/expense, etc.

C2 to use a lot of effort/expense, etc. to do something

Dictionary example:

We will spare no effort to find out who did this.

Learner example:

"However, there is a remote chance that you can be cured and we will spare no pains in order to help you," he was told. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

spare a thought for sb

C2 to think about someone who is in a bad situation

Dictionary example:

Spare a thought for all the people who have lost their homes.

Learner example:

At this point, we should spare a thought for those who are not involved in the sport world. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)