Pronunciation: [spˈɑː] (IPA) 
The word "spar" can have multiple meanings and spellings, depending on its context. As a noun, it refers to a wooden pole or a boxing training tool. As a verb, it can refer to engaging in a sparring match or arguing. The spelling of "spar" is unique in that it contains only one vowel, /a/, represented by the letter "a". The consonants that follow it are /s/ and /r/, which are pronounced separately and give the word its distinct sound.
Spar is a verb that can refer to several different meanings depending on the context. One common definition of spar is to engage in a friendly or lighthearted argument or debate. When people spar, they exchange verbal jabs or counterpoints without getting too serious or personal, often using humor or wit. This type of sparring can be seen in conversations among friends or in certain professional settings such as comedy clubs or political talk shows.
Spar can also refer to practicing or engaging in mock combat or boxing. In this context, sparring is a training exercise where two people simulate fighting each other in order to improve their skills and techniques. This type of sparring is commonly used in various martial arts or combat sports such as boxing or mixed martial arts (MMA).
Additionally, spar can be a noun that refers to a long, slender, and usually tapered piece of wood or metal used in construction or shipbuilding. These spars are typically used to support and strengthen structures, such as the masts and yardarms on a sailing ship, or as the main beams of a roof.
In summary, spar can refer to engaging in a friendly argument or debate, training in mock combat, or a long, slender structural support used in construction or shipbuilding.
• A term applied to those crystals or minerals which break up into rhombs, cubes, plates, prisms, &c., with smooth cleavage faces, as in calcspar, felspar, brown-spar, Iceland-spar, and the like.
• Any long round piece of timber, as a mast, a yard, a boom, &c.
• To close or fasten with a spar; to bar.
• To fight in show, or as preparatory to a real contest, as a pugilist; to box in gloves; to wrangle; to quarrel in words.
• A feigned blow; a contention with the fists.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "spar" has different etymological origins depending on its specific meaning.
1. In the context of boxing or combat, "spar" derives from Middle English "sparre" or "spere", which came from Old English "spere". This term referred to a wooden post used in training exercises. Over time, the word evolved to also refer to the boxing or combat practice itself.
2. In the context of sailing, "spar" comes from Middle Dutch "sparre" or "spar", which ultimately traces back to Old Norse "sperra" (meaning beam or rafter). In sailing terminology, a spar refers to a pole or beam used to support the sails or provide structural support for a vessel.
Therefore, the etymology of "spar" differs depending on whether it is related to boxing or combat or to sailing.
