fair
Treating everyone equally; just and without bias.
Word facts
Definition
Fair means treating everyone equally and following the rules without favouring any side. Something fair is just, reasonable, and without bias.
Usage: Fair can also describe appearance (fair skin, fair hair) or weather (fair conditions). The sense of 'just' is the most common in everyday use.
Example sentences
- 1
She insisted on a fair division of the prize money.
- 2
It's not fair to change the rules after the game has started.
- 3
The judge was known for being fair and impartial.
Word family
From Old English fæger ('beautiful, pleasant'). The sense of 'just, equitable' developed in the 13th century. Fair originally meant beautiful and pleasant.
Fair rhymes with care — being fair shows you care about treating people equally.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What does 'fair enough' mean?
'Fair enough' is an informal phrase meaning 'that's reasonable' or 'I accept that'.
What is the difference between fair and just?
Fair emphasises equal treatment. Just emphasises being morally right. They overlap but just sounds more formal.