noun A2 Elementary Common

fare

FEH-uh

Fare (noun) means the money a passenger pays for a bus, train, taxi, or plane ticket. Example: “The bus fare went up by twenty pence this month.”

noun

The money a passenger pays for a bus, train, taxi, or plane ticket.

"The bus fare went up by twenty pence this month."

"She didn't have enough cash for the taxi fare."

A paying passenger, especially in a taxi.

"The cabbie picked up his last fare of the night near the station."

Food and drink, especially the kind served somewhere in particular.

"The pub is known for simple, hearty fare like pies and stews."

verb

To get on, progress, or turn out in a specified way (usually "fare well" or "fare badly").

"How did you fare in the exam?"

"The new restaurant has fared well despite the competition nearby."

How to use fare

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs a noun, the price of a ride, or the food on offer; as a verb, to get on or do in a certain way.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "fair" (just, or a funfair) — they sound identical but are unrelated words.

Easily confused with

fair →

Common pairings

bus fare taxi fare fare well simple fare

Word forms

fared past tense, fares plural, fares singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The bus _____ went up by twenty pence this month.

Etymology

From Old English fær and faru, both meaning "journey" — the same root that gives us "farewell" (literally "travel well").

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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charge price toll food provisions victuals

Related words

point food level price tax attack bill charge

Rhymes for fare

are dare care hare mare bare rare ware gare share snare stare

See all rhymes for fare →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fare” mean?

The word “fare” means the money a passenger pays for a bus, train, taxi, or plane ticket. In plain terms, as a noun, the price of a ride, or the food on offer; as a verb, to get on or do in a certain way.

How do you pronounce “fare”?

“Fare” is pronounced FEH-uh (/ˈfɛɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “fare” in a sentence?

Here is “fare” used in a sentence: “The bus fare went up by twenty pence this month.”

What part of speech is “fare”?

Depending on how it is used, “fare” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “fare” come from?

The word “fare” comes from Old English. From Old English fær and faru, both meaning "journey" — the same root that gives us "farewell" (literally "travel well").

Is “fare” a common word?

“Fare” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “fare” have?

“Fare” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the money a passenger pays for a bus, train, taxi, or plane ticket.

What is the difference between 'fare' and 'fee'?

A 'fare' is specifically the money a passenger pays to travel by bus, train, taxi, or plane. A 'fee' is a payment for a service, membership, or professional advice. You pay a bus fare but a lawyer's fee.

What is the difference between 'fare' and 'fair'?

'Fare' and 'fair' sound alike but differ in meaning. 'Fare' refers to travel money, a passenger, food, or how someone gets on, as in 'fare well'. 'Fair' means just and reasonable, light in colour, or a public event. They are homophones with no shared meaning.

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