to cut off the outer layer of something with a knife in order to make it smaller or smoother, to reduce something gradually

pare down, pare back, pare away

Formal and Informal Expressions of pare

In different contexts, you can replace 'pare' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'reduce, cut' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'whittle, chop' is a commonplace synonym.

pare: Explore its Definition & Usage

pare Definition

1to cut off the outer layer of something with a knife in order to make it smaller or smoother
2to reduce something gradually

Using pare: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pare" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She pared the apple with a sharp knife.
Example
He pared down his expenses to save money.
Example
The company is looking to pare its workforce.
Example
The chef pared the potatoes into thin slices.

pare Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pare

Antonyms for pare

Phrases with pare

pare down
to reduce the size or amount of something
Example
The CEO is looking to pare down the company's expenses.
pare back
to reduce the size or amount of something, especially by cutting costs or staff
Example
The government is planning to pare back its spending on social programs.
pare away
to remove the outer layer of something with a knife or other tool
Example
The sculptor pared away at the block of marble until the figure emerged.

Origins of pare

from Old French 'parer', meaning 'to adorn, deck, trim'

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Summary: pare in Brief

The verb 'pare' [peə(r)] means to cut off the outer layer of something with a knife to make it smaller or smoother. It can also mean to gradually reduce something. Examples include 'She pared the apple with a sharp knife' and 'The company is looking to pare its workforce.' 'Pare' extends into phrases like 'pare down,' which means to reduce the size or amount of something.