Word
sparingly
Phoneticsspar·ing·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspɛɹɪŋɫi/
UK/spˈeəɹɪŋli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in small amounts so that you do not waste something. You use this when you want to say that using a little bit of something is better than using a lot.
adv. in a restricted or infrequent manner; in small quantities. Often used in the context of resource management or aesthetic restraint.
Examples
“You should use the salt sparingly in this recipe.”
“The chef advised the students to use the expensive truffle oil sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.”
“While the author is known for his descriptive prose, he uses adjectives sparingly, ensuring that every chosen word carries significant weight and impact within the narrative.”
Examples
simple
“You should use the salt sparingly in this recipe.”
contextual
“The chef advised the students to use the expensive truffle oil sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.”
complex
“While the author is known for his descriptive prose, he uses adjectives sparingly, ensuring that every chosen word carries significant weight and impact within the narrative.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb or the direct object it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“It's used sparingly to add colour and roundness to dishes like stir-fries, braises and marinades.” “You might also expect it to insist that energy is used more sparingly; instead, his team is deleting fuel economy standards .” Etymology
From sparing + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sparingly