Below par Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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below par
[bɪˈloʊ pɑːr ]
Definition
golf
Below par means performing worse than the expected level, especially in golf. It is a term used to describe a score that is higher than the standard number of strokes for a particular hole or course.
Synonyms
below average, inferior, substandard.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| below par |
Used to describe something that is not as good as it usually is or as expected. Often used in performance-related situations.
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| substandard |
Used to describe something that does not meet the required standards, often implying poor quality or insufficient performance. It often carries a formal or technical tone.
|
| inferior |
Often used in a more general sense to describe something that is of lower quality, status, or value. Can carry a negative connotation.
|
| below average |
Used in statistical or comparative contexts to indicate something falls below the general or expected average.
|
Examples of usage
- He had a rough day on the course and finished below par.
- Her performance was below par compared to her usual standards.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'below par' is often used in sports commentary to describe an athlete's performance when it didn’t meet expectations.
- In movies and literature, characters sometimes experience moments that can be described as 'below par', indicating a struggle or hardship.
- In music, lyrics sometimes reflect feelings of being 'below par', expressing struggles with self-worth or societal expectations.
Psychology
- Feeling 'below par' can relate to temporary emotional states, often influenced by stress, fatigue, or disappointment.
- Research in positive psychology indicates that feelings of being 'below par' can impact motivation and self-esteem.
- Acknowledging periods of being 'below par' can actually help individuals recognize their emotional cycles and seek support.
Business
- In a corporate context, when a project's results are 'below par', it often leads to reevaluation and strategic changes.
- Employee performance reviews sometimes refer to individuals who perform 'below par', highlighting the need for improvement or support.
- Customer satisfaction surveys might use the phrase to describe service that didn’t meet expectations, prompting a need for change.
Education
- In academic settings, students may be described as performing 'below par' if their grades do not meet the average set by their peers.
- Teachers often provide extra support to students who are performing 'below par', helping them achieve better results.
- The phrase can also apply to educational programs that do not meet standard outcomes, prompting reform and enhancement.
Origin of 'below par'
Main points about word origin
- 'Par' originally comes from the Old French word 'par', meaning 'equal' or 'to be equal'.
- The phrase 'below par' was first used in the early 20th century in golf to refer to scores that are lower than 'par'.
- Over time, the term expanded beyond golf to describe anything below an expected standard.
The term 'below par' originated in the game of golf. In golf, 'par' is the standard score for a hole or course. If a player's score is below par, it means they have performed better than the expected level. Over time, the term has been adopted in other contexts to indicate a performance that is below the average or expected standard.