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PAR

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈpɑɹ// UK //pˈɑː// par

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.


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.

Synonyms
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).

Idioms1 entry

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