A1verb1K

Spend

UK /["/spend/","/spendz/","/spent/","/ˈspendɪŋ/"]/US /["/spend/","/spendz/","/spent/","/ˈspendɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give money to pay for goods, services, etc.

In simple words: To use money or time to buy something or do something.

Examples

  • I want to spend some time with my family this weekend.
  • She spends a lot of money on coffee every month.
  • How do you like to spend your holidays?
  • It’s important to spend wisely and save for the future.
  • He decided to spend his birthday in a different city.
  • If you spend too much time on your phone, you may miss real-life experiences.

Usage notes

Use 'spend' when talking about how much money or time is used. It is common in both spoken and written English. Not usually used in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

spend + object

Memory hint

Think of 'spend' as in 'spending cash at a mall.'

Collocations

  • wisely
  • freely
  • heavily
  • on
  • per
  • be money well spent

Synonyms

  • expend
  • disburse
  • squander
  • consume
  • invest

Antonyms

  • save
  • conserve

Common mistakes

  • 'Spend' is often confused with 'waste.'
  • Learners sometimes forget to include what is being spent.
  • 'Spend' can be incorrectly used in passive voice.