Phrasal verb
pare down
Definition
phrasal verb. To make something smaller by removing the parts you do not need. You use this when you want to simplify a list, a budget, or a plan.
phrasal verb. To reduce the size, quantity, or scope of something by removing superfluous elements. Transitive and optionally separable; frequently applied to budgets, text, or organizational structures.
Examples
“We need to pare down the guest list for the party.”
“The editor asked the author to pare down the manuscript to make the story move faster.”
“The minimalist architect insisted on paring down the design until only the most essential structural elements remained.”
Examples
simple
“We need to pare down the guest list for the party.”
contextual
“The editor asked the author to pare down the manuscript to make the story move faster.”
complex
“The minimalist architect insisted on paring down the design until only the most essential structural elements remained.”
Usage
The phrase is optionally separable and typically takes objects like 'costs', 'budget', or 'list'.
Teaching tip
Use the image of peeling a fruit to explain the etymology, as 'pare' comes from the French word for trimming.
Pitfall
We need to pair down the expenses.
We need to pare down the expenses.
Learners often confuse the verb 'pare' (to trim) with the homophone 'pair' (a set of two).
Phrasal verb
Particles
down
Separability
optional
Pattern
pare (+ object) + down (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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