What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
passable
Example
The food at the restaurant was passable, but nothing special. [passable: adjective]
Example
The road was only passable with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. [passable: adjective]
Example
Her singing was passable, but she didn't have a great voice. [passable: adjective]
fair
Example
The judge made a fair decision based on the evidence presented. [fair: adjective]
Example
The fair had lots of fun games and rides for kids. [fair: noun]
Example
She has fair skin and blonde hair. [fair: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fair is more commonly used than passable in everyday language. Fair is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while passable is less common and refers to something that is just adequate or satisfactory.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between passable and fair?
Both passable and fair can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fair may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its connotation of impartiality and justice.
