"Fair" vs. "Fare": Meanings, Usage, and Examples

Though they sound identical, fair and fare are unrelated words with distinct meanings. Context is everything.

Fair (adjective, noun, adverb)

As an adjective:

• Just, impartial: "A fair trial," "fair wages."
• Moderate, average: "Fair condition," "fair chance."
• Light-complexioned: "Fair skin," "fair hair."
• Clear, favorable (weather): "Fair skies."
• According to rules: "Fair play."

As a noun:

• Exhibition/event: "County fair," "job fair," "book fair."
• Market: "Street fair," "craft fair."

As an adverb (archaic/literary):

• Cleanly, directly: "Fair and square," "fair between the eyes."

Fare (noun, verb)

As a noun:

• Transportation cost: "Bus fare," "airfare," "taxi fare."
• Food served: "Restaurant fare," "standard airline fare."
• Passenger (transport): "A paying fare."

As a verb:

• To experience/perform: "How did you fare on the exam?" "The company fared well."
• To eat/dine (archaic): "Fare sumptuously."

Quick Memory Aid

Fair → think justice, complexion, event (all contain "air").
Fare → think pay for ride, food, how you do (contains "are" as in "how are you?").

Example Sentences

• The fair judge ensured a fair hearing at the county fair.
• The train fare increased, but the restaurant fare improved; I wonder how commuters will fare.