English Reference
noun

par

n.
US /ˈpɑɹ/ UK /pˈɑː/ par UK spelling parred, parring, pars

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the number of hits a good golf player should need to get the ball into a hole.

    the predetermined number of strokes that a proficient golfer is expected to require for a specific hole or round.

    Simple

    He was happy to finish the difficult third hole on par.

    In context

    Despite the challenging wind conditions, the professional managed to finish the back nine two strokes under par.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the usual or expected level for something.

    an accepted or expected standard; an average or normal level of quality or performance.

    Simple

    The new model's performance is finally on a par with its competitors.

    In context

    The quality of the local library's digital collection is now on a par with that of much larger metropolitan institutions.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the idiom 'on a par with' to show equality.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical

    the original value of a bond or stock as written on the certificate.

    the nominal or face value of a security, such as a stock or bond, rather than its market price.

    Simple

    The bonds were issued at par but are now trading at a discount.

    In context

    Investors were hesitant to purchase the preferred shares when the market price dropped significantly below par.

    face valuenominal value

This is on par with Samsung and a bit longer than almost everyone else.

Ars Technica· 19 Aug 2026

The last time the Canadian dollar was at par with the U.S.

Toronto Sun· 6 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated