fair
UK[feə]US[fer]
adj
treating people equally without favouritism or discrimination
adj
(of hair or complexion) light; blonde
adj
(of weather) fine and pleasant
adj
moderately good or satisfactory
n
a gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment
n
a periodic market, often for a specific trade or charity
Etymology
the word 'fair' entered english from the old french 'feire' or 'faire', meaning beautiful, pleasant, or just. this old french term derives from the latin 'fēriae', meaning 'holiday' or 'festival', a time associated with leisure and pleasantness. the latin root connects to the proto-indo-european base dhēs-, pertaining to religious concepts, which influenced words for 'god' and 'festival'. the semantic journey beautifully intertwines the concepts of physical beauty, equitable treatment, and celebratory gatherings, all linked by the underlying idea of being 'fitting' or 'suitable'—what is beautiful is fitting, justice is fitting treatment, and a festival is a fitting occasion for celebration.
Analysis
this is a simplex word. it is a loanword from old french, which itself developed from latin. its core meaning relates to beauty and suitability.
Examples
the selection process must be fair to all applicants.
she has fair hair and blue eyes.
we enjoyed the rides and games at the annual county fair.