Skip to main content

in pairs — in groups of two people or things

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: in groups of two people or things

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪn pɛrz/

Example Sentences

  • The dancing penguins lined up in pairs for the tango competition.
  • Please form in pairs and share your weekend plans.
  • The socks mysteriously disappeared, never to be found in pairs again.

in pairs

ADVERB

[/ɪn pɛrz/]

in groups of two people or things

in groups of two people or things
💡 Concept

in groups of two people or things

Two bears climb the stairs in pairs!
🎵 Rhyme

Two bears climb the stairs in pairs!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪn pɛrz/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪn peəz/

🌳Etymology

Rootpair
Suffix-s

Origin

The phrase combines the preposition 'in' (from Latin in, meaning 'within' or 'in a state of') with 'pairs', the plural of 'pair'. The noun 'pair' derives from Latin par, meaning 'equal' or 'matched', originally referring to two things of equal value or status joined together.

Breakdown

in (preposition: within, in a state of) + pairs (pair + -s plural suffix), where pair comes from Latin par (equal, matched).

🎵Rhyme

stairs
cares
shares
bears

🔗Collocations

work in pairs
discuss in pairs
practice in pairs
sit in pairs
organize in pairs

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The dancing penguins lined up in pairs for the tango competition.”

“Please form in pairs and share your weekend plans.”

😄 Fun example

“The socks mysteriously disappeared, never to be found in pairs again.”

“Students should complete the role-play activity in pairs.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.