pare down
Definition
Verb: - To reduce something gradually, often by removing small parts or amounts over time. It implies a careful, systematic reduction to make something smaller, simpler, or more efficient.
Usage
The verb "pare down" is used to describe the process of making something smaller or less extensive by removing non-essential elements. It often refers to reducing budgets, staff, possessions, or text. - It is a separable phrasal verb (e.g., pare it down). - Commonly used in contexts of simplification, cost-cutting, or editing.
Examples
- The company had to pare down its workforce to survive the economic crisis.
- I need to pare down my essay to meet the 500-word limit.
- She decided to pare her extensive book collection down to just her absolute favorites.
Advanced Usage
- "to pare something down to the bone": To reduce something to the absolute minimum or essentials.
- After the recession, the budget was pared down to the bone.
Variants and Related Words
- Pare (verb): To trim or cut away the outer edges or skin of something (e.g., to pare an apple). This is the root verb from which "pare down" is derived, sharing the core idea of removing layers.
- Downsize (verb): To reduce in size or number, especially of staff. This is a close synonym but often implies a single, decisive action rather than a gradual process.
Synonyms
- Reduce
- Trim
- Cut back
- Whittle down
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Cut down: To reduce in size or amount. While similar, "cut down" can be more abrupt and is also used literally for cutting trees.
- We need to cut down on unnecessary expenses.
Related Idioms
- Trim the fat: To remove unnecessary parts, especially to make an organization more efficient. This idiom is very similar in meaning to "pare down."
- The new manager's first task was to trim the fat from the department's budget.
Verb
-
decrease gradually or bit by bit
