Pare Meaning in English
word
Definition
To carefully remove the outer layer of something, like skin from fruit, or to cut away parts to make something smaller or more neat. It can also mean to reduce in size or amount.
Usage & Nuances
More formal and less common in everyday speech, usually used in cooking ('pare an apple'), gardening ('pare dead leaves'), or when describing reduction ('pare down expenses'). Often confused with 'peel' (only for skin/rind); 'pare' can also mean to trim or reduce.
Example Sentences
Pare the apples before making the pie.
basic
She used a knife to pare the carrots.
basic
We need to pare the budget this year.
basic
Can you pare the apple for me? I can't eat the skin.
natural
After the storm, they had to pare back the broken branches.
natural
We're trying to pare down what we own before we move.
natural