fair
FEH-uh
Fair (adj) means treating people equally and reasonably; just. Example: “Is it fair that I always do the washing up?”
adj
1
Treating people equally and reasonably; just.
"Is it fair that I always do the washing up?"
"The referee made a fair decision."
"It wouldn't be fair to blame her for someone else's mistake."
2
Pale in skin or hair colour.
"Her fair complexion burns easily, so she always wears sun cream."
"She has fair skin and freckles."
"He has fair hair and blue eyes."
3
Reasonably good, but not excellent.
"My French is only fair, but I can order a meal."
"His chances of winning are fair at best."
"The restaurant's food was fair, nothing special."
noun
1
An outdoor event with entertainment, games, and stalls.
"The children rode the carousel and ate candy floss at the village fair."
"We went to the county fair last summer."
"The school fair raises money for new books every year."
2
An event where businesses display and sell products.
"She met several suppliers at the furniture fair in the exhibition centre."
"The company showcased its new phone at the trade fair."
"Thousands of buyers attended the tech fair in Berlin."
How to use fair
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTreating people equally — or, for hair or skin, pale in colour.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
fair and square
fair skin
a trade fair
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Word forms
- Plural
- fairs
- Third person singular
- fairs
- Past tense
- faired
- Comparative
- fairer, more fair
- Superlative
- fairest, most fair
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Is it _____ that I always do the washing up?
Etymology
From Old English fæger, "beautiful."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for fair
See all rhymes for fair →Frequently asked questions
What does “fair” mean?
The word “fair” means treating people equally and reasonably; just. In plain terms, treating people equally — or, for hair or skin, pale in colour.
How do you pronounce “fair”?
“Fair” is pronounced FEH-uh (/ˈfɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “fair” in a sentence?
Here is “fair” used in a sentence: “The referee made a fair decision.”
What part of speech is “fair”?
Depending on how it is used, “fair” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “fair” come from?
The word “fair” comes from Old English. From Old English fæger, "beautiful.".
Is “fair” a common word?
“Fair” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “fair” have?
“Fair” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: treating people equally and reasonably; just.
What is the difference between fair and just?
The two are close and often interchangeable. Fair is the more everyday word, meaning even-handed and reasonable in how people are treated. Just is a little more formal and carries a stronger sense of moral or legal rightness. A fair decision feels balanced; a just decision feels morally and lawfully correct.
What is the opposite of fair?
The opposite of fair is unfair — treating people unequally or unreasonably. Related opposites include biased, showing favour to one side, and unjust, meaning morally wrong. Where a fair outcome gives everyone equal and reasonable treatment, an unfair one favours some people over others without good reason.
Why is fairness important?
Fairness matters because it builds trust and keeps relationships, workplaces, and societies working smoothly. When people feel they are treated equally and reasonably, they are more likely to cooperate and accept decisions, even ones they dislike. A lack of fairness breeds resentment, conflict, and a sense that the rules do not apply equally.
Is fair a positive word?
Yes, in this sense fair is strongly positive. Describing someone as fair praises them as even-handed, honest, and reasonable — qualities people admire, especially in leaders, referees, and judges. Note that fair has other meanings too, such as 'only average' or 'light in colour,' which are neutral rather than praise.
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