fair
Treating everyone equally
Treating all people the same and not favoring one person over another.
[someone] is fair to [someone/something]
- The teacher is fair to all her students.
- We expect a fair trial for the accused.
- He made a fair decision based on the facts.
- It's only fair that everyone gets a turn.
- My boss is fair to all workers.
- The game was fair for both teams.
- She gave a fair answer to the question.
- It is fair to share the food.
Light in skin, hair, or eyes
Having skin, hair, or eyes that are light in color.
- She has fair skin that burns easily in the sun.
- He is tall with fair hair and blue eyes.
- Fair-skinned people should use sunscreen regularly.
- She has fair hair.
- I have fair skin.
- He is tall with fair eyes.
Moderately good quality
Not very good but okay; acceptable.
- The weather today is fair, not too hot or cold.
- He has a fair chance of winning the race.
- The hotel was in fair condition, but needed some repairs.
- The food was fair.
- Today the weather is fair.
- He has a fair chance to win.
Public event with games and stalls
An outdoor event with games, rides, and food for people to enjoy.
- We went to the county fair last weekend.
- The school is holding a summer fair to raise money.
- They enjoyed the rides at the local fair.
- We went to the fair.
- The school will have a fair.
- The fair has many games.
Clear and sunny weather
Sunny and without rain or clouds.
- The forecast says we can expect fair weather tomorrow.
- It was a fair day for a picnic.
- They set sail under fair skies.
- The weather is fair today.
- We have fair weather now.
- It is a fair day for walking.
- Base: fair
- Comparative: fairer
- Superlative: fairest
- Base: fair
- Plural: fairs
a fair shake
1Equal opportunity to succeed
A chance to do something that is the same as what others get.
- Everyone deserves a fair shake in life.
- He didn’t get a fair shake in the competition.
by fair means or foul
1Using any method to succeed
Doing something by using either honest ways or dishonest ways.
- They were determined to win, by fair means or foul.
- He got the promotion by fair means or foul.
fair and square
1Done honestly without cheating or lying
Done in an honest way, following all rules.
- He won the game fair and square.
- They beat us fair and square—no excuses.
fair and square
2Achieved honestly without cheating
Winning or succeeding in an honest way without cheating.
- She won the game fair and square.
- They beat us fair and square.
fair enough
1That’s reasonable or acceptable
Used to say that you accept or understand what someone says.
- "I can’t come tonight." "Fair enough, maybe another time."
- "We’ll need to start early." "Fair enough."
fair enough
2Accepting something as reasonable
Used to say you accept what someone says, even if you do not completely agree.
- "I can only pay you tomorrow." "Fair enough."
- "We’ll have to cancel the trip." "Fair enough, the weather is bad."