fair
gb/fˈɛɹ/ us/fˈɛɹ/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Treating everyone equally
Treating all people the same and not favoring one person over another.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is fair to [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'fair' with 'equal', but 'fair' means just and unbiased, which may not always mean exactly the same treatment for everyone.
Synonyms
just (Often used in formal or moral contexts, especially in legal or ethical discussions.)
Antonyms
unfair (Direct opposite, meaning not treating people equally or without bias.)
Collocations
fair treatment
|fair decision
|fair trial
|fair share
Themes
ethics
|daily life
|law
|relationships
Examples
- 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.
Learner examples
- 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.
adjective
A2
property
2
Light in skin, hair, or eyes
Having skin, hair, or eyes that are light in color.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'fair' meaning 'light-colored' with 'fair' meaning 'just'. Context usually clarifies the meaning.
Synonyms
blond (Specifically refers to light-colored hair rather than overall light features.)
Antonyms
dark (Refers to darker skin, hair, or eye color.)
Collocations
fair skin
|fair hair
|fair complexion
Themes
appearance
|body
Examples
- 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.
Learner examples
- She has fair hair.
- I have fair skin.
- He is tall with fair eyes.
adjective
B1
property
3
Moderately good quality
Not very good but okay; acceptable.
Common mistake:
Learners might think 'fair' here means 'beautiful' or 'just', but it refers to quality or condition.
Synonyms
reasonable (Implies satisfactory or acceptable given the situation.)
Antonyms
poor (Indicates low or unsatisfactory quality.)
Collocations
fair chance
|fair condition
|fair amount
Themes
evaluation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- 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.
Learner examples
- The food was fair.
- Today the weather is fair.
- He has a fair chance to win.
Noun
A2
event
4
Public event with games and stalls
An outdoor event with games, rides, and food for people to enjoy.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse this with 'market', but a 'fair' usually includes entertainment as well as selling goods.
Synonyms
carnival (Often used for a traveling show with rides and games, but can also mean a festival.)
Collocations
county fair
|school fair
|trade fair
Themes
entertainment
|events
|arts_entertainment
|daily_life
Examples
- 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.
Learner examples
- We went to the fair.
- The school will have a fair.
- The fair has many games.
adjective
A2
property
5
Clear and sunny weather
Sunny and without rain or clouds.
Synonyms
clear (Emphasizes absence of clouds or precipitation.)
Antonyms
stormy (Describes weather with storms and bad conditions.)
Collocations
fair weather
Themes
weather
Examples
- The forecast says we can expect fair weather tomorrow.
- It was a fair day for a picnic.
- They set sail under fair skies.
Learner examples
- The weather is fair today.
- We have fair weather now.
- It is a fair day for walking.
Grammar
Dictionary form
fair
IPA
GB/fˈɛɹ/
US/fˈɛɹ/
Syllables & stress
fair (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (fair)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: fair
- Comparative: fairer
- Superlative: fairest
Noun
- Base: fair
- Plural: fairs
Word family
Expressions
a fair shake
1/ə fˈɛɹ ʃˈeɪk/
idiom
informal
Equal opportunity to succeed
A chance to do something that is the same as what others get.
Examples
- Everyone deserves a fair shake in life.
- He didn’t get a fair shake in the competition.
by fair means or foul
1/bˈaɪ fˈɛɹ mˈinz ˈɔɹ fˈaʊl/
idiom
Using any method to succeed
Doing something by using either honest ways or dishonest ways.
Examples
- They were determined to win, by fair means or foul.
- He got the promotion by fair means or foul.
fair and square
1/fˈɛɹ ˈænd skwˈɛɹ/
idiom
Done honestly without cheating or lying
Done in an honest way, following all rules.
Examples
- He won the game fair and square.
- They beat us fair and square—no excuses.
fair and square
2/fˈɛɹ ˈænd skwˈɛɹ/
idiom
Achieved honestly without cheating
Winning or succeeding in an honest way without cheating.
Examples
- She won the game fair and square.
- They beat us fair and square.
fair enough
1/fˈɛɹ ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
That’s reasonable or acceptable
Used to say that you accept or understand what someone says.
Examples
- "I can’t come tonight." "Fair enough, maybe another time."
- "We’ll need to start early." "Fair enough."
fair enough
2/fˈɛɹ ɪnˈʌf/
fixed phrase
Accepting something as reasonable
Used to say you accept what someone says, even if you do not completely agree.
Examples
- "I can only pay you tomorrow." "Fair enough."
- "We’ll have to cancel the trip." "Fair enough, the weather is bad."