Fair Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fair

[feษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

state fair

A gathering of people to enjoy entertainment, food, and exhibits, often featuring rides, games, and competitions.

Synonyms

carnival, exhibition, festival.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fair

A fair is a large public event where there are different kinds of entertainment, games, and stalls selling goods. Typically held in the open air, fairs can be general or themed.

  • We went to the county fair last weekend and enjoyed the rides and food stalls
festival

A festival is a day or period of celebration, typically for religious or cultural reasons, and often featuring music, dance, food, and other activities. Festivals can be community-based or larger, public events.

  • Every summer, the city organizes a music festival that attracts thousands of visitors
carnival

A carnival is a period of public revelry at a regular time each year, involving processions, music, dancing, and the use of masquerade. It is also often marked by a temporary amusement park with rides and games.

  • The children were excited to visit the carnival to experience the colorful parades and funfair rides
exhibition

An exhibition is an organized presentation and display of selected items. Commonly found in museums, galleries, fairs, or for trade shows, exhibitions are often a more formal and informative event.

  • The art gallery hosted a fascinating exhibition of modern art sculptures

Examples of usage

  • The state fair is a popular event in our town.
  • I won a giant stuffed animal at the fair.
Context #2 | Adjective

fair treatment

Treating people equally and without favoritism or discrimination.

Synonyms

equitable, impartial, just.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fair

Use 'fair' in everyday situations where you want to describe something as reasonable or free from bias.

  • The teacher is very fair when grading our exams.
  • She received a fair amount for her work.
just

Use 'just' to describe something that is morally right or fair, often used in ethical or philosophical discussions.

  • It's only just that everyone has the same opportunities.
  • They fought for a just cause.
impartial

Employ 'impartial' in contexts where neutrality and lack of favoritism are crucial, such as in judiciary or dispute resolution.

  • The judge must remain impartial during the trial.
  • We need an impartial mediator to help resolve this conflict.
equitable

Opt for 'equitable' in more formal or legal contexts when highlighting fairness in terms of justice and equality.

  • The company strives to create an equitable environment for all employees.
  • They made an equitable distribution of the resources.

Examples of usage

  • He believes in fair wages for all workers.
  • The judge ensured a fair trial for the defendant.
Context #3 | Adverb

fairly quickly

To a moderate extent; reasonably.

Synonyms

moderately, quite, reasonably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fair

Use when talking about a public event with shows, competitions, and rides.

  • We went to the local fair and had a great time
  • The state fair was full of exciting activities
reasonably

Use when something makes sense or is within acceptable limits; often used to describe a suitable or fair extent.

  • The price of the meal was reasonably cheap
  • She is reasonably confident in her skills
moderately

Use to describe a middle level or degree, not too much and not too little.

  • She was moderately pleased with the results
  • The movie was moderately successful at the box office
quite

Use to emphasize a high degree or level but not necessarily the highest possible. It can also mean 'completely' or 'entirely' in some contexts.

  • The book was quite interesting
  • He is quite sure about his decision

Examples of usage

  • She finished the race fairly quickly.
  • The project was completed fairly easily.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Fairness is a foundational principle in many cultures, often enshrined in laws and ethics, representing a societal ideal.
  • Festivals and 'fairs' have historically been venues where communities gather to celebrate cultural values, including fairness in trade and collaborative efforts.
  • In many indigenous cultures, fairness is tied to communal decisions and sharing resources equitably among members.

Psychology

  • Research shows that feelings of fairness can significantly influence group dynamics, cooperation, and trust among individuals.
  • Psychological studies indicate that when individuals perceive treatment as fair, they are more likely to engage positively in social and work settings.
  • Children as young as three years old have shown a strong understanding of fairness, indicating it is a fundamental human value.

Literature

  • Literary works often explore themes of fairness and justice, such as in Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice,' questioning what it means to be just.
  • Fables and fairy tales frequently convey morals about fairness, teaching lessons on kindness and equality, such as 'The Lion and the Mouse.'
  • In modern storytelling, the struggle for fairness often reflects social justice movements, emphasizing the need for equality in society.

Politics

  • Fairness is a central tenet in democratic societies, influencing laws aimed at promoting equality and protecting against discrimination.
  • Debates around economic policies often center on the concept of fairness, advocating for equitable wealth distribution and social safety nets.
  • International human rights laws emphasize fairness, ensuring that all individuals receive equal protection and treatment under the law.

Origin of 'fair'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English term 'fรฆgere,' meaning beautiful or pleasing, which evolved to involve notions of justice and equality.
  • In Middle English, 'faire' referred not just to beauty but also to honesty and morality in actions.
  • The usage of 'fair' in context of justice dates back to the 13th century, relating to the idea of equitable treatment.

The word 'fair' has a long history, dating back to Old English. Originally meaning beautiful or pleasant, it evolved to also signify equitable and just treatment. The concept of 'fairness' has been a cornerstone of legal and ethical systems throughout history, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and equality.


See also: fairly, fairness, fairway, fairy, unfair, unfairly, unfairness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,010, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.