What does tared mean?
Tared is the past tense and past participle of tare, a verb used in weighing. In its central technical use, it means to determine the weight of an empty container so that the weight of material added later can be calculated without the container’s own weight being included. As an adjective, tared can describe something whose weight has been determined or adjusted in this way. The word appears most often in laboratory, industrial, shipping, and commercial contexts, where accurate net-weight calculations matter. It is distinct from simply measuring an unknown object: the usual idea is that the tare serves as a reference against which a later measurement is made. “Tared” is consequently more specialized than the everyday verb “weighed,” and its use outside technical settings may sound formal or procedural. Despite its narrow role, it names a useful practical distinction in measurement: the weight of the vessel is not the same as the weight of what it carries.
Having had its weight determined or adjusted, especially by establishing the tare of a container.
"The laboratory uses tared containers to improve the accuracy of its measurements."
To determine the weight of an empty container so that the weight of its contents can be calculated separately.
"The chemist tared the beaker before adding the sample."
This is the past tense and past participle of tare and is chiefly used in technical weighing contexts.
A tare reveals the difference between what a container weighs empty and what it actually carries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tared come from?
Tared is formed from tare, an English word recorded since the 16th century and borrowed from French tare. In English, tare developed both as a noun referring to a reference weight used in calculating net weight and as a verb meaning to determine that reference weight. The ultimate source of the French word is disputed, so particular claims about its deeper origin or direct cognates should be treated cautiously.
Related word forms
How tared is actually used
Chiefly used in technical contexts such as laboratories, industry, commerce, and shipping. It is more specialized than the everyday verb “weighed” and may sound procedural or formal when used outside those settings.
Easily confused with tared
Tared means weighed or adjusted using a reference weight, whereas tired means weary or requiring rest.