sparingly

Sparingly is an adverb indicating that something is done or used in small amounts or to a limited degree. It conveys restraint, thrift, or moderation in application, distribution, or consumption. In practical terms, it often describes the management of resources, flavoring, or the deployment of effort or time.

Usage: The term is commonly found in instructions and evaluative writing. Examples: “Season the sauce sparingly” or “The funds should be allocated sparingly.” It contrasts with liberally or generously and can modify verbs such as use, apply, distribute, or consume. It can also describe the degree to which an action is performed: “The editor used the margins sparingly.”

Etymology and form: Sparingly derives from the adjective sparing, meaning economical or frugal, which itself comes from the verb spare. The -ly suffix forms the adverb.

See also: Related terms include frugally, judiciously, conservatively; antonyms include liberally, lavishly, profusely.

Note: In some contexts, especially in formal or instructional writing, sparingly may carry a cautionary tone, inviting restraint rather than prohibition.