fair

Treating people equally and in a way that is right.

• That does not seem fair.
• Everyone deserves a fair chance.
• Was the decision fair to both teams?

How to use it: fair to someone (The rule is fair to everyone.); it is fair to do something (It is fair to give everyone a turn.)

Similar words: just, equitable

Opposites: unfair, unjust

Common phrases: fair treatment, fair deal, fair chance

Having light skin or light hair.

• She has fair hair.
• His fair skin burns easily in the sun.
• Both children were fair, with blue eyes.

Similar words: light, pale

Opposites: dark

Common phrases: fair skin, fair hair, fair complexion

If the weather is like this, it is pleasant and without rain.

• We expect fair weather tomorrow.
• The boat left under fair skies.
• The weather stayed fair all weekend.

Similar words: fine, pleasant

Common phrases: fair weather, fair skies

Good enough, but not very good.

• The car is in fair condition.
• Her performance was fair, but she could improve.
• His English is fair enough for everyday conversations.

Similar words: adequate, acceptable, average

Common phrases: fair condition, fair quality, fair performance

Giving each possible result the same chance of happening.

• We used a fair coin.
• Each face of a fair die has the same chance.
• How can we check whether these dice are fair?

Similar words: unbiased

Opposites: biased

Common phrases: fair coin, fair die

Clean, innocent, or free from anything that would harm its good quality.

• She defended her fair name.
• No lie had stained his fair reputation.
• They vowed to keep their family name fair.

Similar words: unblemished, pure, innocent

Common phrases: fair name, fair reputation

An event where people see displays, discover products, or enjoy activities.

• We visited a book fair.
• The company displayed its products at the fair.
• Students explained their projects at the science fair.

Similar words: exhibition, expo

Common phrases: trade fair, book fair, science fair

A public event with things to buy and activities to enjoy.

• We bought sweets at the fair.
• The children enjoyed the rides at the fair.
• There were food stalls all along the street fair.

Similar words: carnival

Common phrases: summer fair, street fair, fun fair