share
verb (transitive)
UKʃeəUSʃer
To divide something among two or more people; to give or use something jointly; to tell someone else about a thought, idea, experience, or resource so that they can also benefit from it.
Example Sentences
It’s considerate to share your snacks with friends who forgot their lunch.
He encouraged everyone to share their opinions during the team meeting.
You can share the video link on social media to reach a wider audience.
They decided to share the cost of the trip to make it more affordable for everyone.
When you share your success stories, you may inspire others to pursue their goals more confidently.
One of her proudest moments was seeing how willingly the children would share their toys during playtime.
After returning from her travels, she hosted a gathering to share photos, souvenirs, and memorable stories from her adventures, delighting family and friends with tales of distant cultures.
Realizing that collaboration could produce better results, the independent researchers agreed to share data, cross-check each other’s findings, and ultimately publish a joint paper.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UKʃeəUSʃer
A portion of something that is divided among people; a part of something that belongs to or is contributed by an individual; in finance, a unit of ownership in a company or financial asset.
Example Sentences
Each team member was given an equal share of the bonus.
She sold her shares in the company for a substantial profit.
His share of the work involved organizing the logistics for the conference.
Owning a share of a growing business can be a lucrative long-term investment.
Family members inherited their share of the estate according to the will.
The restaurant’s new partnership allocated a larger share of the profits to the head chef.
Realizing the project required significant funding, the startup invited investors to purchase a share in the company, offering them a stake in future growth.
When dividing household chores, each roommate claimed their fair share based on personal schedules, ensuring the workload was distributed evenly.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Share: to give a portion of something or communicate information.The word "share" functions primarily as a verb and a noun in the English language. As a verb, "share" means to divide and distribute a portion of something among others, to have a portion of something with others, or to communicate information, experiences, or feelings. For example, "Please share your notes with the class" or "She shared her story during the meeting." It can also imply mutual participation, as in "They share a love for music."
As a noun, "share" refers to a part or portion of something that is divided among a group, such as "a share of the profits" or "a share in the company." Additionally, in the context of stock markets, a "share" represents a unit of ownership in a corporation.
"Share" is used in various contexts, including personal relationships, business, finance, and digital communication. In the digital age, "sharing" has expanded to include distributing content online, such as "sharing a photo on social media." Understanding the different applications of "share" enhances effective communication, whether in personal interactions, professional settings, or digital platforms.
Furthermore, "share" appears in numerous idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs, such as "share with someone" meaning to give something to another person, or "share out" meaning to distribute something among a group. Mastery of the various uses of "share" allows for clear and precise expression in both spoken and written language.
Alternatives
Alternative words for "share" vary depending on the context in which it's used. When referring to distributing or giving a portion of something, synonyms include "distribute," "allocate," "apportion," "divide," "portion," "hand out," "bestow," and "grant." For example, instead of saying "share your food," you could say "distribute your food" or "portion your food."
In contexts where "share" means to communicate information or experiences, alternatives like "communicate," "convey," "impart," "disclose," "express," "reveal," "broadcast," or "announce" may be appropriate. For instance, instead of "share your ideas," you might say "communicate your ideas" or "express your ideas."
When "share" is used in the financial context to mean a unit of ownership, alternatives are limited but could include "stock," "equity," or "holding." For example, instead of "buying shares in a company," one might say "buying stock in a company."
Additionally, in the digital realm, where "share" often refers to distributing content online, alternatives could include "post," "upload," "publish," or "broadcast." For example, instead of "share a photo on social media," you could say "post a photo on social media."
Selecting the appropriate alternative depends on ensuring that the replacement word fits the specific context and maintains the original intent of the sentence. It's important to choose synonyms that accurately convey the desired meaning to preserve clarity and effectiveness in communication.
Writing
When incorporating the word "share" into your writing, it's essential to understand its various meanings and apply them appropriately to ensure clarity and precision. Depending on the context, "share" can imply distribution, communication, or mutual participation, so providing sufficient context is key to conveying the intended message. For instance, in a business report, you might write, "The company decided to share its profits equally among shareholders," using "share" to mean distribution.
To avoid redundancy, consider using synonyms or varying your sentence structure when the concept of sharing is repeated. Words like "distribute," "allocate," or "communicate" can be used interchangeably with "share" where appropriate. For example, instead of repeatedly saying "share," you could alternate with phrases like "distribute resources" or "communicate findings."
Additionally, when using "share" in figurative language or idiomatic expressions, ensure that the expression fits naturally within the narrative. Phrases such as "share a secret" or "share experiences" add depth and relatability to your writing, making it more engaging for the reader.
Furthermore, understanding the noun form of "share" can enhance your writing by allowing you to refer to portions or parts of a whole effectively. For example, "Each participant received an equal share of the benefits" uses "share" to denote a portion.
Proofreading your work to ensure that "share" is used consistently and accurately is crucial. Check for proper tense agreement when using it as a verb and verify that noun forms align with the intended meaning. By thoughtfully integrating "share" and its alternatives, your writing will achieve greater clarity, variety, and effectiveness, enabling you to convey complex ideas succinctly and accurately.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, "share" is a versatile term used to describe the act of giving a portion of something, communicating information, or participating in experiences with others. For example, you might say, "Can you share your notes from class?" to request a portion of someone else's notes. Alternatively, "share" can be used when discussing ideas or feelings, such as "I'd like to share something with you" or "Let's share our experiences from the trip."
"Share" also frequently appears in casual dialogue related to digital interactions, such as "I just shared a funny video on Facebook" or "Don't forget to share the event link with your friends." In these contexts, it refers to distributing content online through various platforms.
Additionally, "share" is used in phrases that imply mutual participation or collaboration, like "Let's share the workload" or "We can share responsibilities to get this done faster." These uses emphasize cooperation and collective effort in achieving a common goal.
Understanding how to use "share" appropriately in casual conversation helps in expressing generosity, collaboration, and effective communication. It allows you to convey your willingness to give, inform, or engage with others seamlessly, making your interactions more fluid and meaningful. Whether you're discussing personal matters, planning activities, or engaging in online interactions, "share" is a fundamental term that facilitates clear and cooperative communication.
Etymology
The word "share" has its origins in Old English, deriving from the word "scearu," which means a division or portion. This term is rooted in the Proto-Germanic word "*skauraz," and is related to Old Norse "skǫr," meaning a piece or division. The concept of "share" has been integral to human societies for centuries, reflecting the fundamental need to divide resources, responsibilities, and experiences among members of a community.
Historically, the use of "share" has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings beyond its original sense of division. In medieval times, "share" was often associated with property and inheritance, where land and wealth were divided among heirs. As commerce and trade developed, "share" took on financial connotations, becoming a term used to describe portions of ownership in businesses and corporations.
The verb form of "share" emerged as societies became more interconnected, highlighting the importance of communication and the dissemination of information. This evolution mirrors the growing complexity of social interactions and the expansion of collective knowledge.
In modern English, "share" remains a vital word with versatile applications in everyday language. It is used in personal, professional, and digital contexts, illustrating its adaptability and enduring relevance. The digital age, in particular, has expanded the meaning of "share" to include the distribution of digital content, such as photos, videos, and information through various online platforms.
Additionally, "share" has permeated idiomatic expressions and cultural phrases, reinforcing its significance in communication and collaboration. Phrases like "share your thoughts" or "share a meal" exemplify the word's role in fostering connection and mutual understanding among individuals.
The enduring use of "share" reflects its foundational role in human interaction, emphasizing the values of generosity, cooperation, and communication that are essential to societal functioning and personal relationships.
