Pare down Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɛɹ/ /ˈdaʊn
PAIR-down
pˈeə/ /dˈaʊn
PAIR-down
Definition
To make something smaller, simpler, or less by removing what is unnecessary.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and common in both writing and conversation. Often used with lists, expenses, or processes ("pare down the budget"). Implies careful reduction by removing extras, not just cutting randomly. Similar to "streamline" or "trim down."
Spanish: reducir - recortar - simplificarPortuguese (BR): reduzir - cortar - simplificarPortuguese (PT): reduzir - cortar - simplificarChinese (Simplified): 精简 - 削减Chinese (Traditional): 精簡 - 削減Hindi: कम करना - घटाना - सीमित करनाArabic: تقليص - تخفيض - تبسيطBengali: ছাঁটাই করা - কমানোRussian: сократить - урезатьJapanese: 削減する - 減らすVietnamese: cắt giảm - đơn giản hóaKorean: 줄이다 - 간소화하다Turkish: azaltmak - sadeleştirmekUrdu: کم کرنا - گھٹاناIndonesian: mengurangi - memperkecil
Example Sentences
We need to pare down our list of candidates.
basic
The company tried to pare down its expenses.
basic
We should pare down what we pack for the trip.
basic
They really need to pare down the rules—no one can remember them all.
natural
We had to pare down the menu to just five dishes for the event.
natural
I'm trying to pare down my commitments so I have more free time.
natural