SPARRING

Pronunciation (US): (GB):

Meaning:

Making the motions of attack and defense with the fists and arms; a part of training for a boxer

Synonyms:

spar; sparring

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("sparring" is a kind of...):

boxing; fisticuffs; pugilism (fighting with the fists)

Derivation:

spar (box lightly)

Meaning:

An argument in which the participants are trying to gain some advantage

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("sparring" is a kind of...):

arguing; argument; contention; contestation; controversy; disceptation; disputation; tilt (a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement)

Derivation:

spar (fight verbally)

-ing form of the verb spar