Meaning & Definition of word "Par"

Par

/pɑːr/

noun:

  • 1. A standard or average level of quality or attainment.
    • Example: The team's performance was below par, leading to their loss in the finals.
  • 2. In golf, the number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or course.
    • Example: He scored a birdie on the par 4 hole.
  • 3. Equality in degree or value.
    • Example: She felt that her skills were on a par with her more experienced colleagues.

verb:

  • 1. To bring to par, as in adjusting something to a standard or average.
    • Example: The coach worked hard to par the team's performance to match their potential.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

above par:

Better than average.

below par:

Worse than average.

par for the course:

Typical or expected.

Related Words

equal:

Having the same quantity, measure, or value.

standard:

A level of quality or attainment.

Slang Meanings of par

Meaning: Playing at least at the expected level.

Example Sentence: He really played par in the last game.

Meaning: Slang for something being average or typical.

Example Sentence: That movie was just par; nothing special.