fair
/feː(ə)/
In the context of justice, it carries a strong moral weight. It is not just about following rules, but about an intuitive sense of equity and righteousness. It contrasts with 'equal' by allowing for adjustments based on circumstances to achieve a just outcome. When describing quality or amount, it functions as a polite hedge. Calling something 'fair' often suggests it is acceptable but unremarkable, sometimes serving as a gentle way to avoid saying something is mediocre. Regarding appearance, the term evokes an image of luminosity and lightness. In older or poetic contexts, this sense of 'fair' often overlapped with beauty, though in modern usage, it is primarily a descriptive term for pigmentation. As a noun, it suggests a festive, temporary community event. It blends commerce (trade) with leisure (carnival), creating an atmosphere of variety and public gathering.
Refers to a specific event or exhibition, such as a 'county fair' or a 'trade fair'.
💬Casual Conversation
Doesn't seem fair we're both stuck on this grunt work.
Everyone pulls their weight, Jackson. That's how it's fair.
Meanings
treating people equally without favoritism or discrimination.
"It is only fair that everyone has an equal opportunity to speak."
moderate in quality, amount, or size; neither good nor bad.
"She has a fair chance of winning the competition if she practices."
light-colored, especially in reference to skin, hair, or complexion.
"The child had fair skin and bright blue eyes."
a gathering of traders and entertainers, often held annually.
"We spent the whole afternoon riding the carousel at the county fair."
Collocations & Compounds
fair trade
Trade between companies in developed countries and producers in developing countries in which workers on the producing farms or in the factories are paid a fair wage and are not exploited.
Fair trade is an arrangement designed to help producers in particular developing countries receive a fair price for their products.
fair enough
Used to say that you accept something that someone says or does, even if you do not completely agree with it.
She said she couldn't come because she was tired, and fair enough.
fair play
Fairness and justice in the way people are treated or in the way that decisions are made.
The referee was praised for his fair play and impartiality.
fair share
The amount of something that a person should get, because it is reasonable or deserved.
Everyone should get their fair share of the profits.
fair competition
A situation in which businesses compete with each other on equal terms.
The government is responsible for ensuring fair competition in the marketplace.
Phrasal Verbs
fair out
To distribute fairly.
Let's fair out the remaining cookies so everyone gets an equal amount.
Idioms & Sayings
fair and square
In a way that is completely honest and fair.
He won the match fair and square.
life isn't fair
A statement acknowledging that bad things happen to people and that there is no inherent justice in the world.
I know I didn't get the promotion, but life isn't fair, so I'll just keep trying.
fair of face
Having a pleasant or attractive appearance.
The old portrait depicted a young woman who was fair of face and gentle of spirit.
in fair condition
In average or acceptable physical condition, neither very good nor very bad.
The antique book was sold in fair condition, with some wear on the cover.
make fair
To make something equal or equitable.
The teacher tried to make fair the distribution of tasks among the students.
Etymology
The word 'fair' has a long history, originating from the Old English word 'fæger', meaning 'pleasing to the eye, beautiful; beautiful, handsome; good, fine'. It evolved from Proto-Germanic fagraz. Over time, its meaning expanded to include concepts of justice, impartiality, and acceptability, likely through the idea of something being clear or bright (like a clear conscience or a clear decision). This development is seen in Middle English, where 'fair' could mean 'just, equitable, impartial' as well as 'beautiful'.