fair

fair¹ / fe(ə)r/ • adj. 1. in accordance with the rules or standards; legitimate: fair and equal representation. ∎  just or appropriate in the circumstances: to be fair, this subject poses special problems. ∎ Baseball (of a batted ball) within the field of play marked by the first and third baselines. 2. (of hair or complexion) light; blond. ∎  (of a person) having such a complexion or hair. 3. considerable though not outstanding in size or amount. ∎  moderately good though not outstandingly so: he believes he has a fair chance of success. 4. (of weather) fine and dry. 5. archaic beautiful: attractive: the fairest of her daughters. • adv. 1. without cheating or trying to achieve unjust advantage: no one could say he played fair. 2. dial. to a high degree: she'll be fair delighted to see you. PHRASES: fair and square honestly and straightforwardly: we won the match fair and square. a fair deal equitable treatment. fair enough inf. used to admit that something is reasonable or acceptable: “I can't come because I'm working late.” “Fair enough.” fair-to-middling slightly above average: she manages to capitalize on some fair-to-middling material. the fair sex dated or humorous women. in a fair way to do something dated having nearly done something, and likely to achieve it: he is in a fair way to get well. no fair inf. unfair (often used in or as a petulant protestation): no fair—we're the only kids in the whole school who don't get to watch TV on school nights.DERIVATIVES: fair·ish adj. fair·ness n. fair² • n. a gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment. ∎  a competitive exhibition of livestock, agricultural products, and household skills held annually by a town, county, or state and also featuring entertainment and educational displays. ∎  an exhibition to promote particular products: the Contemporary Art Fair. fair³ • v. [tr.] [usu. as adj.] (faired) streamline (a vehicle, boat, or aircraft) by adding fairings.