Definitions
Pairing is a noun that refers to the act of combining two things, usually food and drink, that complement each other in flavor.
Example
The pairing of wine and cheese is a classic combination.
Example
The chef suggested a pairing of fish and white wine.
Paring is a noun that refers to the act of cutting away the outer layer of something with a knife or other sharp tool.
Example
She was paring an apple with a knife.
Example
He carefully removed the skin of the potato with a paring knife.
Tips To Remember the Differences
Here are a few tips to easily distinguish the difference between these words while keeping in mind the description we've provided:
- To remember the difference between these two words, think of pairing as a combination of two things, while paring involves removing a thin layer from something. - You could also associate pairing with food and drink, and paring with knives and tools.
Remember this!
Remember, pairing refers to combining two things, while paring involves cutting away a thin layer of something.
