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pair — two things of the same type that belong or are used together

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: two things of the same type that belong or are used together

Pronunciation (IPA): /per/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother always said socks disappear in pairs - either both come back or neither does!
  • The detective found a pair of gloves at the crime scene.
  • She decided to pair the red wine with cheese for the perfect evening snack.

pair

NOUN

[/per/]

two things of the same type that belong or are used together

A customer examines a pair of matching red sneakers at the shoe store
💡 Concept

A customer examines a pair of matching red sneakers at the shoe store

A pair of chairs we share with care
🎵 Rhyme

A pair of chairs we share with care

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/per/
🇬🇧 UK/peə(r)/

🌳Etymology

Rootpair

Origin

The word derives from Latin 'paria' (equal things), passing through Old French 'paire' before entering English. Originally meaning 'equal' or 'of the same kind', it evolved to denote two matching or complementary items joined together.

Breakdown

Latin 'par-' (equal, even) + '-ia' (plural feminine suffix) → Old French 'paire' → English 'pair' (two matched items).

🎵Rhyme

care
share
fair
chair
hair

🔗Collocations

a pair of shoes
pair up
pair off
perfect pair
pair with
odd pair
matching pair

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My grandmother always said socks disappear in pairs - either both come back or neither does!”

“The detective found a pair of gloves at the crime scene.”

“She decided to pair the red wine with cheese for the perfect evening snack.”

“The odd couple made a surprisingly successful pair in business.”

📚Related Words

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