Word
PAR
Phoneticspar
US/ˈpɑɹ/
UK/pˈɑː/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the usual or expected level for something. You use this when comparing how good or bad a situation is against a normal standard.
n. an accepted standard or average level of quality or performance. Often used in comparative contexts to evaluate current status against a baseline.
Examples
“His recent work is not quite up to par.”
“The team's performance was below par during the first half of the season due to several injuries.”
“While the initial prototype was impressive, the final production model must be on a par with international safety standards to succeed in the global market.”
Examples
simple
“His recent work is not quite up to par.”
contextual
“The team's performance was below par during the first half of the season due to several injuries.”
complex
“While the initial prototype was impressive, the final production model must be on a par with international safety standards to succeed in the global market.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the idiomatic phrases 'up to par', 'below par', or 'on a par with'.
Pitfall
His work is on par.
His work is up to par.
Learners confuse 'up to par' (meeting a standard) with 'on a par with' (equal to something else).
Real-World Examples
“This is on par with Samsung and a bit longer than almost everyone else.” “The last time the Canadian dollar was at par with the U.S.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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