Fair Meaning
Fair Definition & Usage
Treating all people or groups with equal consideration or justice; impartial or free from bias.
Examples
- "The judge made a fair decision based on all the evidence presented."
- "The competition was fair, with all participants having an equal chance to win."
- "She has always been fair to everyone at work, treating them equally regardless of their role."
- "The contract was fair to both parties, with no hidden clauses."
- "We need a fair and just system for all citizens."
Being of average or acceptable quality; adequate but not exceptional.
Examples
- "The restaurant was fair, but the service could have been better."
- "The movie had a fair plot, but the acting was outstanding."
- "It was a fair attempt, but it lacked originality."
- "The weather is fair today, perfect for a picnic."
- "Her performance in the game was fair, though she could have trained harder."
A public event or gathering, often involving entertainment, food, and games.
Examples
- "We are going to the county fair this weekend to enjoy the rides and food stands."
- "The school is organizing a fair to raise funds for charity."
- "At the fair, there were dozens of games and activities for the kids."
- "I won a giant teddy bear at the fair last year."
- "The annual fair draws thousands of visitors each year."
Cultural Context
The word 'fair' originates from Middle English, where it was used to describe something that was beautiful, pleasant, or just. Over time, its meanings expanded to include concepts of justice, impartiality, and public gatherings, often with festive elements. In modern usage, 'fair' appears in a variety of contexts, from describing moral judgments to casual references to the quality of something.
The Fair Decision
Story
The Fair Decision
In a small village, there was always a sense of peace and community. The villagers were proud of the annual fair, a tradition that brought them together. This year, however, there was a dispute over the judging of the pie contest. The two contestants, Sarah and James, both believed they deserved to win. Sarah argued that her pie had a perfect crust, while James claimed his filling was more flavorful. The village council decided to call upon the elder judge, Mr. Whitaker, to make the final decision. Mr. Whitaker was known for his fairness. He had spent his life ensuring that justice prevailed, not only in the courtroom but also in the everyday matters of the village. He carefully tasted both pies, considering each flavor and texture with great care. After a long pause, he smiled and declared, 'Both pies are fair, but I believe this year, the prize should go to Sarah for the perfect crust.' As the crowd erupted in applause, Sarah graciously accepted the prize, though she acknowledged James' pie was equally deserving. James smiled, accepting the decision with good humor. 'Next year,' he said, 'I’ll make a crust as perfect as yours.' Later that day, the village held its fair, with rides, games, and plenty of food. The sense of fairness carried through the festivities, as everyone, from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent, felt included and valued. Even Mr. Whitaker enjoyed a few rounds of the ring toss, where the prizes were modest, but the enjoyment was fair and shared by all.