English Reference
adjective · noun · adverb · verb

fair

adj. · n. · adv. · v.
US /ˈfɛɹ/ UK /fˈeə/ fair

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.treating everyone in the same way or following the rules.

    adj.treating people equally without favouritism or discrimination; in accordance with established rules.

    Simple

    The teacher was fair and gave every student the same amount of time.

    In context

    The judge was praised for his fair handling of the case, ensuring that both the plaintiff and the defendant were heard equally.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    adj.having pale skin or light-colored hair, like blonde or red.

    adj.referring to a pale complexion or light-colored hair, specifically blonde or light brown.

    Simple

    She has very fair skin that burns easily in the summer sun.

    In context

    The portrait depicted a young woman with fair hair and striking blue eyes, contrasting sharply with the dark background.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    adj.quite good, but not excellent or great.

    adj.moderately good; satisfactory but not exceptional in quality or quantity.

    Simple

    He has a fair chance of winning the race if he stays focused.

    In context

    The student's performance in the first semester was fair, though her tutors expected more rigorous engagement with the primary texts.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced LiteraryArchaic

    adj.very beautiful or pretty to look at.

    adj.possessing a beautiful or pleasing appearance; often used in literature or older stories.

    Simple

    The prince traveled across the land to find a fair maiden.

    In context

    The poet spent many verses describing the fair landscape of his childhood home, mourning its loss to industrialisation.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing weather that is clear, sunny, and not stormy.

    adj.referring to weather conditions that are clear and sunny; in nautical contexts, favorable to a ship's course.

    Simple

    We hope for fair weather for our outdoor wedding this Saturday.

    In context

    The captain waited for a fair wind before ordering the crew to weigh anchor and begin the long voyage across the Atlantic.

  6. 06 A2 Elementary

    n.a public event with games, rides, and food for fun.

    n.a travelling amusement park or local festival featuring rides, games, and entertainment.

    Simple

    The kids were excited to ride the carousel at the county fair.

    In context

    Every summer, the village green is transformed into a bustling fair with stalls selling local produce and traditional mechanical rides.

  7. 07 B1 Intermediate

    n.a large event where companies show their new products to customers.

    n.a large-scale exhibition where businesses in a particular industry promote their products and services.

    Simple

    Our company is renting a booth at the international book fair.

    In context

    The annual technology fair attracts thousands of developers eager to witness the unveiling of the latest software innovations.

    exhibitionexpotrade show
  8. 08 B1 Intermediate

    adv.in a way that is honest or follows the rules.

    adv.in a just or equitable manner; often used in the phrase 'play fair'.

    Simple

    You have to play fair if you want people to keep playing with you.

    In context

    The negotiator insisted that both parties act fair and square to reach a sustainable agreement.

  9. 09 C2 Proficiency Technical Technical

    v.to make a surface smooth or even, especially where two parts join.

    v.to smooth or even a surface to reduce drag or improve the aesthetic connection between two parts.

    Simple

    The worker had to fair the edges of the boat's hull.

    In context

    The engineer instructed the team to fair the joints of the aircraft wing to minimize aerodynamic resistance during high-speed flight.

    roughen

Usage fair deal · fair enough · fair share

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated