Spruce: meaning, definitions and examples

Repeated: See the first entry for details and examples.

Commonly used to describe a type of evergreen tree with needle-like leaves, often associated with Christmas trees.

• They decorated a beautiful fir tree for Christmas.
• Fir trees are known for their strong wood.

Generally refers to a type of evergreen tree with long needles, often used for timber and paper production. It can also mean to miss someone or something deeply, often used in a poetic context.

• The cabin was surrounded by towering pine trees.
• She pined for her hometown every day she was away.

Used when you want to make something or someone look cleaner and more well-kept, typically in preparation for an event. This term can relate to personal appearance or an environment.

• She decided to spruce up the living room before the guests arrived.
• He spent some time sprucing himself up before the interview.

Commonly used when referring to organizing or arranging things in a more orderly manner. It often implies a focus on detail, making things look more precise and neat.

• You should neaten your desk before you start working.
• The librarian asked the children to neaten the books on the shelves.

Generally used in the context of cleaning a space by putting things in their proper places and removing clutter. It's a more casual term and can be used for both small and large cleanups.

• Can you tidy up your room before dinner?
• They spent the afternoon tidying up the garden.