Par

/pɑːr/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A standard or average level of quality or attainment.

The team's performance was below par, leading to their loss in the finals.

In golf, the number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or course.

He scored a birdie on the par 4 hole.

Equality in degree or value.

She felt that her skills were on a par with her more experienced colleagues.

verb

To bring to par, as in adjusting something to a standard or average.

The coach worked hard to par the team's performance to match their potential.

Late 19th century, derived from Latin 'par' meaning 'equal.'

above par

Better than average.

below par

Worse than average.

par for the course

Typical or expected.

equal

Having the same quantity, measure, or value.

standard

A level of quality or attainment.

Playing at least at the expected level.

He really played par in the last game.

Slang for something being average or typical.

That movie was just par; nothing special.