pare
UK/pєә/US
GREA2
Definitions
v.
To trim or peel the outer edge or skin from something
削（皮）；修剪
v.
To reduce something gradually, especially costs
逐渐削减
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedThe plain verb from parāre (make ready) in the sense 'make ready by trimming' — to peel an apple, pare your nails. The figurative sense 'pare down costs' keeps the image of trimming away excess.
Root par still carries 36 more wordsExample Sentences
- 1.
She pared the apple with a small sharp knife.
- 2.
The company pared its workforce down to fifty.
Easily Confused
pare / pair / pear — all sound the same. pare = to peel/trim (par root). pair = two matching things (also par root, but the 'equal' branch). pear = the fruit (unrelated). Trimming → pare; a set of two → pair; eat it → pear.