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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Fair: Definition, Common Uses & Key Differences (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：just and impartial (fair)

fair 🔊

/feər/

adj.

treating everyone the same, without favoring one side; reasonable and according to the rules.

Fair meaning justice illustrated with balanced brass scales on wood.

just and impartial 🔊

➕

/dʒʌst ənd ɪmˈpɑːrʃl/

adj.

Refers to actions, processes, or decisions that are equitable, treating all individuals equally without favoritism or bias, adhering to principles of justice.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from Old English 'fæger', meaning 'beautiful, pleasant'. Evolved in Middle English to signify 'just' and 'impartial', reflecting societal emphasis on equality.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'fair' as in 'fair share' – everyone gets an equal part, just like a balanced scale in justice.

📖 Example

The company promises a fair hiring process for all candidates, no matter where they come from. 🔊 The company ensures an equitable hiring procedure for every applicant, regardless of their background.

🔗 Collocations

fair play – just and honest behavior in sports or competition

fair trial – a legal proceeding conducted impartially

🔄 Synonyms

just (adj.) – based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair

impartial (adj.) – treating all rivals or disputants equally without bias

🚫 Antonyms

unfair (adj.) – not based on or behaving according to the principles of equality and justice

🌱 Derivatives

fairly (adv.) – in a fair and just manner

fairness (n.) – the quality of being fair and impartial

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'fair' originates from Old English 'fæger', initially denoting physical beauty. By the Middle English period, it expanded to imply moral fairness, as seen in terms like 'fair play'. In modern culture, 'fair' is pivotal in contexts such as 'fair trade', promoting ethical standards in global commerce and ensuring equitable treatment.

Meaning 2：moderately good (fair)

fair 🔊

/feər/

adj.

not bad, but not excellent either; a middle level of quality or achievement.

Fair meaning average shown by a school report card with a B+ grade.

moderately good 🔊

➕

/ˈmɒdərətli ɡʊd/

adj.

Describes a level of quality, achievement, or condition that is acceptable but not excellent; it falls in the middle range, neither poor nor outstanding.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My writing skills are just fair right now, but I'm practicing every day to make them better. 🔊 My current writing ability is only average, but I am diligently practicing to enhance it.

🔗 Collocations

fair weather – pleasant and clear weather conditions

fair condition – in a state that is acceptable but not perfect

🔄 Synonyms

average (adj.) – of the usual or ordinary standard, level, or quantity

mediocre (adj.) – of only moderate quality; not very good

🚫 Antonyms

excellent (adj.) – extremely good; outstanding

poor (adj.) – of a low or inferior standard

🌱 Derivatives

fairly (adv.) – to a moderately sufficient extent or degree