fair /; AmE / adjective, adverb, noun

■ adjective (fairer, fairest)

1

acceptable and appropriate in a particular situation:

a fair deal/price

estimating the company's fair market value

We believe our offer is fair and reasonable.

It is difficult to make a fair assessment.

2

treating everyone equally and according to the rules or law:

demands for a fairer tax system

My manager is always very fair.

They need to reach a deal that is fair to both parties.

OPP UNFAIR

IDIOMS

(give sb/get) a fair hearing

(to allow sb) the opportunity to give their opinion of sth before deciding if they have done sth wrong:

I'll see that you get a fair hearing.

(give sb/get) a fair shake (AmE) (informal)

(to give sb/get) fair treatment that gives you the same chance as sb else:

Are older people getting a fair shake in the workplace?

■ adverb

according to the rules; in a way that is considered to be acceptable and appropriate:

He claims they didn't play fair in winning the contract (= they did sth dishonest in order to get it).

IDIOMS

set fair (to do sth/for sth) (BrE)

having the necessary qualities or conditions to succeed:

The company looks set fair for growth.

■ noun [C]

CAREERS FAIR, JOB FAIR, RECRUITMENT FAIR, TRADE FAIR

an event at which people, businesses, etc. show and sell their goods:

Fewer foreign exhibitors took part in the fair this year.

a technology/agricultural fair

⇨ EXHIBITION, SHOW

• tax avoidance
• tax band
• tax base
• tax bite
• tax bracket
• tax break
• tax collector
• tax credit
• tax declaration
• tax-deductible
• tax deduction
• tax-deferred
• tax depreciation
• tax-efficient
• tax evasion
• tax exemption
• tax exile
• tax-favored
• tax form
• tax-free
• tax haven
• tax holiday
• tax incentive
• tax invoice
• tax liability