spend
UK: /spɛnd/ | US: /spɛnd/
vt. to use money to pay for goods or services
vt. to use time or energy on a particular activity
vi. (archaic) to exhaust or wear out
spend = spen<to weigh out> + d<verb suffix>
- spen (from Old English spendan, borrowed from Latin expendere <to weigh out, pay>)
- d (common Germanic verb suffix indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word spend traces back to Latin expendere (ex- "out" + pendere "to weigh"), reflecting the ancient practice of weighing money for transactions. It entered Old English as spendan via Germanic adaptation, retaining the core idea of "paying out." Over time, its meaning expanded to include expending time or energy. The modern spelling solidified in Middle English, shedding the Latin ex- prefix but preserving the financial connotation.
She spends too much on luxury brands.
He spent three hours repairing the car.
The candle spent itself in a flicker of light.
Governments must spend wisely to avoid debt.
Don’t spend your energy on trivial arguments.