pare

¹

[ pair ]

verb (used with object)

, pared, par·ing.

1. to cut off the outer coating, layer, or part of.
2. to remove (an outer coating, layer, or part) by cutting (often followed by off or away ).
3. to reduce or remove by or as by cutting; diminish or decrease gradually (often followed by down ):

   to pare down one's expenses.

   Synonyms: lessen, shave, clip

   Antonyms: increase

Paré

²

[ pa-rey ]

noun

1. Am·broise [ah, n, -, brwaz], 1510–90, French surgeon.

Paré

¹

/ pare /

noun

1. ParéAmbroise15101590MFrenchMEDICINE: surgeon Ambroise (ɑ̃brwaz). 1510–90, French surgeon. He reintroduced ligature of arteries following amputation instead of cauterization

pare

²

/ pɛə /

verb

1. to peel or cut (the outer layer) from (something)
2. to cut the edges from (the nails); trim
3. to decrease bit by bit

Derived Forms

• ˈparer, noun

Other Words From

• parea·ble adjective
• un·pared adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pare¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English paren, from Middle French parer, “to make ready, trim” from Latin parāre ”to prepare, make ready“; prepare

Word History and Origins

Origin of pare¹

C13: from Old French parer to adorn, from Latin parāre to make ready

Synonym Study

See peel ¹.

Related Words

• cut back
• cut down
• decrease
• lower
• mark down
• prune
• reduce
• scrape
• shave
• slash