fairness
fairness — noun
1. the principle that all people have the right to be treated equally and in a mora
the principle that all people have the right to be treated equally and in a morally right way, without one person or group receiving special favour over another.
Ari argued that fairness in the workplace meant equal pay for work of equal value.
collocation: fairness in the workplace
Jisoo's sense of fairness led her to defend the new student against unkind remarks.
collocation: sense of fairness
The players respected the referee because she showed fairness to both sides throughout the match.
The hiring committee demonstrated fairness by interviewing every candidate for the same length of time.
Jude worried that the new school rule would affect the fairness of the grading system.
- justice
broader concept that includes legal systems and punishments; fairness is more about everyday treatment.
- equity
more formal term, often used in legal or financial contexts; implies adjusting rules to achieve proportional fairness.
- impartiality
focuses on not having favourites or biases; less about moral rightness, more about neutrality.
- unfairness
direct opposite: the quality of treating people unequally or unjustly.
- bias
takes the form of favouring one side; fairness is about the absence of this.
用法筆記
Frequently appears with possessives: 'sense of fairness', 'commitment to fairness'. Often paired with 'justice' in formal contexts: 'fairness and justice'. Subject is commonly an institution or authority figure (judge, manager, referee).
常見錯誤
2. a fixed expression used when you are about to say something that makes a person
a fixed expression used when you are about to say something that makes a person or situation seem less bad or more balanced, especially after a criticism or a one-sided argument.
In all fairness to Ziad, he had only been told about the deadline the day before it was due.
pattern: in all fairness to [someone]
The room was small, but in all fairness the price was very cheap for that area.
pattern: in all fairness + contrasting clause
Mira said the service was slow, but in fairness the kitchen was extremely busy that night.
Hari admitted the rent was high, but in fairness the apartment included all utility bills.
The landlord raised the rent suddenly, but in all fairness he had given three months' notice.
- to be fair
interchangeable with 'in all fairness', slightly less formal.
- admittedly
similar function of conceding a point, but does not include the nuance of defending someone.
- granted
similar conceding function, but typically introduces the opposite side of an argument without the moral weight.
文法句型
in all fairness (to someone)
in fairness
to be fair
用法筆記
This sense only exists inside the fixed phrases 'in all fairness', 'in fairness (to someone)', or 'to be fair'. These phrases open a clause that adds a contrasting or balancing point. The speaker typically agrees with a criticism first, then uses this phrase to introduce a reason that paints a fuller picture. 'In fairness to + person' directly defends someone; 'in all fairness' defends a situation or decision.
常見錯誤
3. a dated or literary term describing beauty of appearance, particularly a light c
a dated or literary term describing beauty of appearance, particularly a light complexion or attractive facial qualities.
The poem praised the fairness of her complexion and the gentle curve of her smile.
collocation: fairness of complexion
In Renaissance art, a woman's fairness was celebrated as a sign of virtue and noble birth.
register: literary / historical
Haruto smiled at the old love letter, amused by its praise of Zuri's fairness and grace.
The old portrait captured the fairness of the young princess, with her pale skin and light hair.
Zayd read a medieval poem that compared his beloved's fairness to the morning sun.
- beauty
modern, general term; 'fairness' is narrower and older.
- loveliness
similar poetic tone but broader: can apply to personality as well as looks.
用法筆記
This sense is dated or strongly literary in modern English. It is unlikely to appear in everyday conversation outside of historical fiction, poetry, or discussions of classic art. The most common collocation is 'fairness of complexion'. Unlike sense 1, this meaning has no connection to justice or morals.