What is fair? Pronunciation and usage in English

fair means . Learn how to pronounce and use fair through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fair

fairadjective

/fɛː/
Definition & pronunciation of fair

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fair" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends a little on where you're from. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /feər/
  • How it sounds: It's pronounced like the word "fear," but with a shorter vowel sound. It rhymes with "hair" or "bear." The "r" at the end is a light r, almost like a vocalic "r" - it's not as strong as the "r" in "red." You essentially blend the "r" into the vowel.
  • Example: "That's a fair price." – /ˈfeər/ praɪs

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • IPA: /fɛər/
  • How it sounds: This pronunciation is closer to the "air" sound. The vowel is longer and more open.
  • Example: "It's fair weather today." – /ˈfɛər/ ˈwɛðər

Here’s a simple way to remember (especially for the American pronunciation):

  • Think of the word "fear." That's the sound you're aiming for.

Resources to Help You Hear the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "fair" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (This will usually give you the American pronunciation.)
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fair/ – This website allows you to hear native speakers pronounce words in different accents.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you learning English? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia?)

Usage and examples with the word fair in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fair" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by its common uses:

1. Just and Equitable (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use of “fair.” It describes something that is just, unbiased, and based on principles of equality. It means things are handled equally and without favoritism.
  • Examples:
    • “That’s not fair! You took my toy!” (Child feels unfairly treated)
    • “The judge made a fair decision.” (The decision was impartial and just)
    • “We need to ensure fair treatment for all employees.” (Everyone should be treated equally)
    • “The competition was fair because everyone had the same amount of time.” (No advantage was given to anyone)

2. Light-Colored (Describing Appearance)

  • Meaning: “Fair” can also describe skin complexion – pale and often with a slight pinkish or reddish hue. This usage is becoming less common due to concerns about perpetuating outdated racial terminology.
  • Examples:
    • “She has fair skin and blonde hair.”
    • “The fair cottages nestled in the valley.” (Describing the color of the buildings)
  • Important Note: Consider using alternatives like "pale," "light," or "white" to avoid potentially insensitive language.

3. Reasonable and Acceptable (Degree of Justice)

  • Meaning: Often used to describe something that's reasonable, acceptable, or understandable, even if it isn’t perfectly ideal. It suggests a degree of justice or decency.
  • Examples:
    • “That’s a fair price for the product.” (It’s not cheap, but it’s reasonable.)
    • “He’s only asking for a fair wage.” (A reasonable amount of money for the work.)
    • “It was fair of you to help me.” (You acted kindly and reasonably.)

4. In a Competition (Equal Terms)

  • Meaning: Referring to rules and conditions in a contest or challenge.
  • Examples:
    • “The game was played under fair rules.”
    • “It’s fair to give everyone a chance to try.”

5. Used as an Adjective (Describing a Person)

  • Meaning: Describing someone as honest, straightforward, and trustworthy.
  • Examples:
    • “He’s a fair and honest man.”
    • “She has a fair reputation.”

Key Phrases and Idioms:

  • Fair and square: Meaning fair and honest; without any trickery. ("We won fair and square!")
  • Not fair: A common expression of disappointment or injustice.
  • Fair enough: Meaning “Okay, I understand your point,” or “That’s acceptable.” (Can also be used to concede a point.)

Tips for Using "Fair" Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to the situation to understand which meaning of “fair” is intended.
  • Consider alternatives: Sometimes, other words like “just,” “equal,” “reasonable,” or “honest” might be a better fit.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "fair" in specific contexts?
  • Discuss the history of the word and its changing usage (particularly regarding skin color)?

Synonyms for the word fair

Idioms of the word fair

all’s fair in love and war
(saying)in some situations any type of behaviour is acceptable to get what you want
    be fair!
    (informal)used to tell somebody to be reasonable in their judgement of somebody/something
    • Be fair! She didn't know you were coming.
    by fair means or foul
    using dishonest methods if honest ones do not work
    • She’s determined to win, by fair means or foul.
    a fair crack of the whip
    (British English, informal)a reasonable opportunity to show that you can do something
    • I felt we weren't given a fair crack of the whip.
    fair enough
    (informal, especially British English)used to say that an idea or suggestion seems reasonable
    • ‘We'll meet at 8.’ ‘Fair enough.’
    • If you don't want to come, fair enough, but let Bill know.
    a fair few
    a fairly large number
    • I've been there a fair few times.
    fair go
    (Australian English, New Zealand English, informal)used to ask somebody to be reasonable
    • I just wanted to say, ‘Hey mate, fair go!’
    (give somebody) a fair hearing
    (to allow somebody) the opportunity to give their opinion of something before deciding if they have done something wrong, often in court
    • I'll see that you get a fair hearing.
    fair’s fair
    used to ask for fair treatment or to claim that a situation is fair
    • Fair's fair—we were here first.
    • Fair's fair—you can't expect them to cancel everything just because you can't make it.
    • Come on, fair's fair—you’ve had your chance, now let me try.
    (give somebody/get) a fair shake
    (informal)(to give somebody/get) fair treatment that gives you the same chance as somebody else
    • Are minority students getting a fair shake at college?
    • We need a government that cares about equity and a fair go for all.
    (more than) your fair share of something
    (more than) an amount of something that is considered to be reasonable or acceptable
    • He has more than his fair share of problems.
    • I've had my fair share of success in the past.
    fair to middling
    not particularly good or bad
    • ‘How are you feeling today?’ ‘Oh, fair to middling.’
    it’s a fair cop
    (British English, informal, humorous)used by somebody who is caught doing something wrong, to say that they admit that they are wrong

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