WordGarden.iofair
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈeə/
US
- /ˈfɛr/
Meanings
Adjective
just, impartial, or treating people equally
acceptable or moderately good
light in color, especially of hair or complexion
More meaningsFewer meanings
clear, dry, and pleasant as weather
considerable or reasonably large in amount or degree
Noun
a public event with exhibits, booths, rides, competitions, or sales
Beyond the definition
"Fair" is a very flexible word. Most often, it describes something that is just and treats people in an equal way, like a fair trial or a fair rule. It can also mean reasonable, as in "a fair price," or quite a lot, as in "a fair amount of time." In everyday English, it may describe clear, pleasant weather, and it can also mean light in color, especially for hair or skin.
There is also the noun form: a fair is a public event with games, rides, food, shows, or contests. Think of a county fair or a state fair. In all these uses, the word often carries the idea of balance, honesty, or something pleasant.
The word "fair" holds a surprising amount of nuance. At its heart, it speaks to justice and impartiality—a fair decision is one made without bias, where everyone involved is treated equally. This extends to competition; the phrase "a fair shake" implies an equitable opportunity, while "a fair fight" suggests neither side has an undue advantage.
Beyond justice, "fair" describes quality and quantity. While it can mean "average" (as in a "fair" grade), it often suggests something is reasonable and honest, such as a fair trade agreement or a fair assessment of work. It can also mean "considerable," like "a fair distance away." In another common context, "fair" refers to appearance—specifically light-colored hair or pale skin, as in "fair-haired" or "a fair complexion."
Then there's the vibrant noun form: a fair is a public gathering—often held annually—featuring exhibitions, competitions, entertainment, and food. Traditionally agricultural in nature, showcasing livestock and produce, modern fairs have evolved to include amusement rides and concerts, acting as centers for community celebration.
Historically, "fair" was a poetic way to describe a beautiful person, usually a woman. While this usage is mostly found in literature today, it reminds us that the word is rooted in notions of beauty, balance, and positive value—concepts we strive for in almost every aspect of life.
Examples
- 1
Equal chance
Everyone should get a fair chance to speak.
- 2
Blame
It wasn't fair to blame one person for the whole problem.
- Patternfair to do + action
right or reasonable
- 3
Price
Fifty dollars seems like a fair price for a used bike.
- 4
Discussion
That's a fair point, and we should think about it.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Balanced comment
To be fair, he did warn us that the train might be late.
- Phraseto be fair
used before a balanced comment
- 6
Workload
She has done her fair share of late-night shifts this month.
- Phrasefair share
the right amount for one person
- 7
Ability level
His French is fair, but he still needs practice.
- 8
Appearance
She has fair hair and very pale skin.
- 9
Agreement
"You were exhausted after the flight." "Fair enough, but you still needed to call me."
- Phrasefair enough
I accept that as reasonable
- 10
Public event
We took the kids to the county fair on Saturday.
- Phrasecounty fair
a local public event with rides, food, and competitions
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fairnounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- fairspluralnounverbadjective
- fairercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- fairestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun
- fairing-ing formverbadjectivenoun
- fairedpast tenseverbadjectivenoun