Pair Meaning: Two Matching Items & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：two matching items (pair)

pair 🔊

/pɛr/

two things of the same type that are meant to be used together.

Pair of blue socks side by side on wooden floor

two matching items 🔊

➕

/tuː ˈmætʃɪŋ ˈaɪtəmz/

Two things of the same type and design, intended to be used together as a unit.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'paria' (equal things) via Old French 'paire'.

💡 Mnemonic

Two pears (homophone) sit side by side, identical in size and shape—a perfect pair.

📖 Example

I need to buy a new pair of running shoes for my morning jog. 🔊 I need to buy a new pair of running shoes for my morning jog.

🔗 Collocations

a pair of shoes – two shoes that match and are worn together

a pair of scissors – a cutting tool made of two joined blades

a pair of glasses – spectacles with two lenses worn to correct vision

🔄 Synonyms

couple (n.) – two people or things of the same sort considered together

duo (n.) – a pair of people or things, especially in music or performance

twosome (n.) – a group of two people or things

🚫 Antonyms

single (adj./n.) – one only, not part of a pair

individual (adj./n.) – a single person or thing, distinct from others

one (n./adj.) – the number representing a single unit

🌱 Derivatives

pair (v.) – to join or put two things together as a pair

pairing (n.) – the act of forming a pair or the result of such pairing

paired (adj.) – arranged or existing as a pair

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'par' (equal), via Old French 'paire', entered English in 14th century. Originally referred to two equal or matching items, reflecting the concept of equality.