spend - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
spend Word Meanings
- to use money to buy something
- to use time doing something
- to exhaust resources
spend Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
spend Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/spɛnd/
US
/spɛnd/
spend Word Etymology
spend = spend + -d (past form). Origin: Old English 'spendan' from Latin 'spendere' meaning 'to expend'. Imagine spending a handful of coins, letting them slip through your fingers as you buy something special.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach into my pocket, pull out my card, and set it on the counter. The reader blinks as the numbers change and I push the payment forward, feeling the moment move from possibility to commitment. I grip the receipt and adjust my stance, savoring the small tension of choosing. In that instant I know I spent the money and my plans for the day shift accordingly.
Real Context
Spend is a flexible verb that covers using money to buy things, using time on an activity, or consuming resources. In everyday English it often appears in phrases like spend money on X, spend time doing Y, or spend resources on a project. The past tense is spent, the present participle spending. It can carry neutral, practical meaning or imply an evaluation of how wisely resources are used. Learners should be careful with prepositions and often prefer spend on when naming the purchase and spend doing when describing an activity. Unlike waste or save, spend emphasizes allocation rather than mere loss or storage.
Usage Reminders
- Make a clear object after spend: spend money on X or spend time doing Y. Use spent for past actions. Distinguish spend from waste; 'spend' implies choice. Collocations include spend money on, spend time doing, and spend resources on tasks, trips, or projects. Not all languages map spend directly; learn the right prepositions. Practice with real-life examples to solidify patterns.
Common Misconceptions
- Spend always means buying something.
- Spent is never used for actions with time.
- Any verb can replace spend in phrases like spend money on or spend time doing.
- Spend and waste are interchangeable in neutral contexts.
- You must always use 'on' after spend when talking about money.
Thinking Differences
In English, spend often centers on deliberate allocation of money, time, or resources with a neutral or evaluative tone; other languages may separate time vs money with different verbs or prepositions, leading to errors like wrong prepositions or mixing up the focus of spending.
Learning Tips
- Memorize the core collocations: spend money on, spend time doing, spend resources on.
- Practice the past tense: spend vs spent in real sentences.
- Create contrasting pairs: spend vs waste vs save to feel the nuance.
- Listen for the preposition clues in native speech and imitate them.
- Read varied contexts (shopping, travel, work) to see patterns.
- Record yourself describing daily choices to reinforce usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'spend'?
A.To use money
B.To jump
C.To sleep
D.To cook
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'spend' correctly?
A.She spend the weekend studying.
B.They spend their money carefully.
C.I spend yesterday cooking.
D.He spend his time wisely.
Step 3: Similar Words
What word is most similar to 'spend'?
A.Save
B.Travel
C.Sing
D.Read
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'spend'?
A.Run
B.Laugh
C.Earn
D.Talk
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life context for 'spend'?
A.He managed his budget wisely.
B.She went on a shopping spree.
C.I bought a new book.
D.They saved money for a vacation.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
🔥 Advanced
Algorithms as a Whip: Attention and Constraints on Social Media
Technology & Social Media
Listen Now
🔥 Advanced
Technology and Social Media: Benefits and Disruptions
Technology & Social Media
Listen Now
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App