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Meaning & use

share

verb, noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ʃeə/
US/ʃer/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    To divide something into parts and give some to other people.

    Grammar: Takes an object: share the cake. Often followed by 'with' or 'between'.

    Patterns

    • share something with someone
    • share something between people
    • share something out

    She shared her sandwich with a friend.

    The children shared the toys between them.

    We shared the pizza equally.

  2. verbtransitive or intransitive

    To have, use, or experience something together with other people.

    Grammar: Can be used with an object (share a room) or without (we shared). Often followed by 'with'.

    Patterns

    • share something with someone
    • share a room
    • share an interest

    My sister and I share a bedroom.

    They share a love of music.

    We shared a taxi to the airport.

  3. verbtransitive

    To tell other people your thoughts, feelings, or information.

    Grammar: Takes an object: share your thoughts. Often followed by 'with'.

    Patterns

    • share something with someone
    • share your thoughts
    • share the news

    Please share your ideas with the group.

    He shared the news with his family.

    She shared her worries with a close friend.

  4. nouncountable

    A part or portion of something that is divided among people.

    Grammar: Countable: a share, two shares. Often used with 'of'.

    Patterns

    • a share of something
    • your share
    • do your share

    Everyone got a fair share of the cake.

    He did his share of the housework.

    The company's share of the market has grown.

  5. nouncountablebusinessfinance

    One of the equal parts into which a company's ownership is divided.

    Grammar: Countable: shares in a company. Often plural.

    Patterns

    • shares in a company
    • buy shares
    • share price

    She bought shares in a tech company.

    The share price fell after the announcement.

    He owns a large number of shares.

Word forms

third person singularshares
past tenseshared
past participleshared
-ing formsharing
pluralshares

Common combinations

share a room
They share a room at university.
share your thoughts
Please share your thoughts on the plan.
share the cost
We shared the cost of the meal.
share a secret
She shared a secret with me.
share price
The share price went up today.

Synonyms and how they differ

divide
Focuses on splitting into parts, while 'share' emphasizes giving parts to others.
split
Similar but often implies a more equal or forceful division; 'share' is gentler and more cooperative.
tell
Used for giving information, but 'share' often suggests a more personal or willing act.
portion
A noun meaning a part, similar to 'share' as a noun, but 'portion' is often used for food or fixed amounts.

Opposites

keepwithhold

Word family

sharing noun
The act of dividing or using something together.
shareholder noun
A person who owns shares in a company.
shared adjective
Used or owned by more than one person.

Commonly confused: share or shear?

share vs shear

Pronounced the same in some accents but means 'to cut', especially wool from sheep.

Practice

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