Meaning

(transitive) To remove the outer covering or skin of something with a cutting device, typically a knife..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To remove the outer covering or skin of something with a cutting device, typically a knife.
2. (transitive, often with down or back) To reduce, diminish or trim gradually something as if by cutting off.
3. To trim the hoof of a horse.
4. (Ireland, slang) To sharpen a pencil.

Example Sentences

Victor pared some apples in preparation to make a tart.

Albert had to pare his options down by disregarding anything beyond his meager budget.

Also referring to the deeds of certain Border Ruffians, he said, rapidly paring away his speech, like an experienced soldier, keeping a reserve of force and meaning, “They had a perfect right to be hung.”

From May 29 another 10 min. are being pared from the southbound journey, and the time over the 504.4 miles from Paris to Hendaye will come down to 6 hr. 58 min., an average of 72.4 m.p.h. with two intermediate stops.

Word Forms

• pares
• paring
• pared

Synonyms for pare

Related Words

When Should You Use Pare?

Use pare when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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