Spared vs. Sparred — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
"Spared" means to refrain from harming or imposing hardship on someone, while "sparred" refers to practicing fighting, especially in martial arts.
Difference Between Spared and Sparred
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Key Differences
"Spared" involves showing mercy or forbearance by not causing harm or damage. Whereas "sparred" involves engaging in a practice combat or argument, often as training.
When someone is "spared," they are often exempted from an unpleasant experience or punishment. On the other hand, when individuals "spar," they typically participate in a controlled fighting scenario designed to improve their skills without causing serious injury.
While "spared" implies protection or leniency, such as sparing someone's life or sparing the details of a harsh truth, "sparred" implies action and engagement, such as two boxers sparring to prepare for a bout.
The context in which "spared" is used usually involves decisions of mercy or avoidance, often highlighting compassion or restraint. Conversely, "sparred" highlights preparation, competitiveness, or the honing of skills through practice encounters.
Both terms can be metaphorically extended beyond their literal meanings: "spared" to any situation where harm is avoided, and "sparred" to debates or vigorous discussions where ideas are contested but not to the detriment of personal relations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To refrain from harming or punishing
To engage in practice fighting or debating
Context
Often used in mercy or leniency situations
Used in training or skill development contexts
Connotation
Protection, avoidance of harm
Engagement, preparation for competition
Associated Actions
Exempting, forgiving, omitting
Practicing, competing, arguing
Outcome
Avoidance of negative experiences
Improvement in skills or resolution of ideas
Compare with Definitions
Spared
Given mercy or exemption.
He was spared on grounds of his age.
Sparred
Practiced fighting in a sport.
The boxers sparred for hours at the gym.
Spared
Avoided causing harm or suffering.
The judge spared the defendant from jail time.
Sparred
Tested or honed skills against a partner.
They sparred in verbal debates to sharpen their rhetoric.
Spared
Chose not to include or involve.
She spared him the details of the accident.
Sparred
Engaged in a practice session.
The debate team sparred with each other before the competition.
Spared
Kept from having to undergo something.
They were spared the ordeal of testifying.
Sparred
Had a brief and non-serious fight or argument.
The siblings sparred over the television remote.
Spared
To have refrained from using or destroying something.
She spared the rod and spoiled the child.
Sparred
Simulated a combat situation for training.
Soldiers sparred in mock battles during their training.
Spared
To refrain from harming, injuring, destroying, or killing
The general spared the city from a bombardment.
Sparred
(Nautical) A wooden or metal pole, such as a mast, boom, yard, or bowsprit, used to support sails and rigging.
Spared
To leave undamaged or unharmed
The oldest trees in the forest were spared from the fire.
Sparred
A usually metal pole used as part of a crane or derrick.
Spared
To refrain from denouncing or distressing; treat leniently or with consideration
The teacher spared the student's feelings by not criticizing her.
Sparred
A main structural member in an airplane wing or a tail assembly that runs from tip to tip or from root to tip.
Spared
To allow (someone) to avoid experiencing or doing (something)
Spared myself the trouble of going to the store.
Sparred
A motion of attack or defense in boxing.
Spared
To hold back from; withhold or avoid
Spared no expense for the celebration.
Sparred
A sparring match.
Spared
To use or supply with restraint
Don't spare the mustard.
Sparred
To supply with spars.
Spared
To give or grant out of one's resources; afford
Can you spare ten minutes?.
Sparred
(Obsolete) To fasten with a bolt.
Spared
Kept in reserve
Spare parts.
Sparred
To fight with an opponent in a short bout or practice session, as in boxing or the martial arts.
Spared
Being in excess of what is needed; extra
Spare cash.
Sparred
To make boxing or fighting motions without hitting one's opponent.
Spared
Free for other use; unoccupied
Spare time.
Sparred
To bandy words about in argument; dispute.
Spared
Not lavish, abundant, or excessive; meager
A spare breakfast.
Sparred
To fight by striking with the feet and spurs. Used of gamecocks.
Spared
Lean and trim
A runner with a spare figure.
Sparred
Simple past tense and past participle of spar
Spared
Not elaborate or ornate; simple
A writer's spare style.
Spared
A replacement, especially a tire, reserved for future need.
Spared
The act of knocking down all ten pins with two successive rolls of a bowling ball.
Spared
The score so made.
Spared
Simple past tense and past participle of spare
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between sparing someone's feelings and sparing details?
Sparing someone's feelings involves withholding hurtful information, while sparing details might mean omitting unnecessary or explicit information for brevity or sensitivity.
What skills does sparring develop?
Sparring develops tactical, physical, and psychological skills necessary for combat sports.
How is sparring used in martial arts training?
Sparring is used in martial arts to practice techniques and strategies in a controlled environment.
Is sparring always physical?
No, sparring can also be metaphorical, as in debating or a vigorous discussion.
Can a judge decide to spare a defendant?
Yes, judges can decide to spare defendants from certain penalties if circumstances justify leniency.
What does it mean to be spared in a legal context?
In a legal context, to be spared often means to be granted leniency or exemption from punishment.
Can the term "spared" apply to inanimate objects?
Yes, inanimate objects can be spared, as in sparing a house from demolition.
How does sparing someone affect interpersonal relationships?
Sparing someone can strengthen relationships by showing mercy or consideration for their circumstances.
What is the benefit of sparring in training?
The benefit of sparring is that it prepares individuals for real-life situations by simulating realistic challenges.
How does sparing relate to forgiveness?
Sparing often involves an element of forgiveness, as it includes choosing not to impose harm or punishment.
What does it mean to spar with words?
To spar with words means to engage in a lively debate or argument where ideas are contested.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
