ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sparingly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈspɛɹɪŋɫi// UK //spˈeəɹɪŋli// spar·ing·ly

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From sparing + -ly.

Usage

Typically follows the verb or the direct object it modifies.

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