Share

Definition

The word "share" means (1) to divide and distribute parts of something among two or more people (verb); (2) to possess, enjoy, or experience jointly (verb); (3) to reveal or communicate information, feelings, or resources (verb); and (4) a portion of something allotted to, or contributed by, an individual; specifically, a unit of ownership in a company (noun).

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃɛr/
• Respelling: SHAIR

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃeə/
• Respelling: SHAIR

Etymology

"Share" comes from Old English scearu / scieran “a portion, to cut, divide,” related to Proto‑Germanic *skairō. The noun sense referring to corporate stock emerged in the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Shareholder (noun)
• Shareable (adjective)
• Shared (adjective / past participle)
• Sharing (noun / present participle)
• Share‑out (noun, chiefly BrE)

Synonyms

• Divide
• Distribute
• Apportion
• Partake
• Stake (noun‑sense)

Antonyms

• Hoard
• Monopolize
• Withhold
• Keep
• Retain

Usage

"Share" is common in finance, social media, everyday conversation, and legal contexts. Examples: "They agreed to share the profits equally," "Please share the article on your timeline," and "She bought 200 shares of the company."

Related Terms

• Dividend: A payment made to shareholders from a company's earnings.
• Joint: Involving two or more people together.
• Allocation: The process of distributing resources or duties.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To divide and distribute something among others: Refers to apportioning resources, space, or responsibility.
  • Example: "Please share the pizza so everyone gets a slice."
• To have or use something jointly with another: Emphasizes simultaneous possession or enjoyment.
  • Example: "Roommates share the living expenses."
• To communicate thoughts, feelings, or information to others: Involves revealing or expressing.
  • Example: "She shared her travel experiences with the class."
• To allow access to digital data or resources (computing): Grants permission for others to view or use files, links, or devices.
  • Example: "You can share the folder via the cloud service."
• To participate equally in a feeling, quality, or responsibility: Indicates mutual experience or obligation.
  • Example: "They shared the excitement of winning together."

Noun

• A portion of something allotted to or belonging to an individual: Denotes one’s part of a whole.
  • Example: "His share of the inheritance was substantial."
• A unit of ownership in a corporation or financial asset: Represents equity interest entitling the holder to dividends and voting rights.
  • Example: "Tech stocks fell, and shares closed lower for the day."
• An act of sharing something on social media or digital platforms: Counts how many times content is reposted or forwarded.
  • Example: "The video reached a million shares in 24 hours."
• A plowshare (archaic, dialect): The cutting blade of a plow.
  • Example: "Farmers hammered the share back into shape."