sparing

1. 1
   adjective

   Careful not to use too much of something.

   Like putting just a little butter on your bread so it lasts longer.

   She is very sparing with salt when she cooks.

   Be sparing with the glue so it does not drip everywhere.

   Similarfrugal, economical, thrifty, prudent, careful

   Oppositelavish, liberal, extravagant, wasteful

2. 2
   verb

   Present participle of spare. Use this form for the ongoing or -ing version of the verb.

   The general is sparing no effort to protect the town.

   By sparing the small animals, the hunter showed real kindness.

   Note
3. 3
   noununcountable

   The act of saving someone or something from harm or punishment.

   Like a judge choosing to let someone go free instead of punishing them.

   The sparing of the small village from the flood felt like a miracle.

   His sparing of the young thief gave the boy a second chance.

   Similarreprieve, saving, pardon, deliverance

   Oppositeexecution, killing, slaughter

   Note

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