spar
spar
Pronunciation
spɑr:
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
/p/ - voiceless bilabial stop
/ɑ/ - open back unrounded vowel
/r/ - alveolar approximant
Word Form Variations
Noun:
spar (singular)
spars (plural)
Verb:
spar (present tense)
spars (present tense, third-person singular)
sparred (past tense)
sparring (present participle)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A long, slender piece of timber or metal, often used in construction or as a support.
Synonyms: beam, pole, rafter
Antonyms: none
Definition: A boxing match or practice session.
Synonyms: bout, fight, scrimmage
Antonyms: peace, truce
Verb
Definition: To engage in a boxing match or practice session.
Synonyms: box, fight, scrimmage
Antonyms: rest, relax
Definition: To exchange words in a contentious manner.
Synonyms: argue, bicker, quarrel
Antonyms: agree, harmonize
Examples of Use
Noun (long, slender piece of timber or metal)
Construction and Architecture: "The old barn was held up by thick wooden spars."
Nautical context: "The sailor climbed the rigging, hand over hand, along the spars."
Literature: "The wind whistled through the ship's spars, carrying the salty sea air." (A classic novel like "Moby-Dick" might use this imagery.)
Noun (boxing match or practice session)
Sports Journalism: "The two boxers sparred for several rounds before the main event." (A sports article in a newspaper like The New York Times or The Guardian)
Sports Commentary: "They're just sparring right now, feeling each other out." (A sports commentator during a boxing match broadcast)
Verb (to engage in a boxing match or practice session)
Sports News: "The young fighter sparred with his experienced trainer daily." (A sports news article on a website like ESPN)
Fiction: "The two rivals sparred verbally, each trying to outwit the other." (A novel or short story)
Verb (to exchange words in a contentious manner)
Political Discourse: "The politicians sparred over the budget during the debate." (A news report on a political debate)
Everyday Conversation: "My sister and I sparred over who would get the last piece of cake." (A casual conversation)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Spar
"True friends spar with wit and word, not with sword and shield." — Anonymous
"To spar in words is to sharpen the mind." — Anonymous
"Life’s challenges spar with our courage, forging resilience in every round." — Anonymous
"A good sparring partner is worth more than a hundred yes-men." — Anonymous
"When minds spar, ideas ignite." — Anonymous
"Even the fiercest sparring of opinions can yield a truce of understanding." — Anonymous
"To spar is to learn your own strength and your opponent’s wisdom." — Anonymous
"Words spar and clash, but truth always emerges the victor." — Anonymous
"The sparring of thoughts polishes the blade of reason." — Anonymous
"In the ring of life, you spar with your fears to claim your victories." — Anonymous
Etymology
The word "spar" has a long history. It comes from an old language called Proto-Germanic, where it meant something like "stake" or "beam." Over time, it entered different languages, like Old English and Middle English, where it kept its meaning related to long, slender pieces of wood.
The first known use of "spar" in English was around the 14th century, and it referred to a long, slender piece of timber used in building or on ships. Since then, its meaning has expanded. Today, we also use "spar" to talk about a boxing match or practice session, or even to describe a verbal argument.
So, the next time you hear someone talk about "sparring" with a friend or "sparring partners," remember that this word has a rich history, stretching back centuries and across different language
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Spar
Phrases:
Sparring partner: A person who practices a skill or sport with another, often to improve their skills.
Sparring match: A practice fight or argument, often less intense than a real fight.
Idioms (using synonyms or related concepts):
Throw down the gauntlet: To challenge someone to a fight or argument. (Similar to "sparring")
Trade blows: To engage in a heated argument or physical fight. (Similar to "sparring")
Go toe-to-toe: To confront someone directly and aggressively. (Similar to "sparring")
Remember, "spar" is often used more literally in contexts related to boxing or physical training. Its use in figurative idioms is less common, but the phrases above capture the idea of a verbal or physical confrontation, which is the core meaning of "sparring."
Posts Related to Spar
Source Information
Definition of spart from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
