Fairness is the quality of making judgments that are free from discrimination. Judges, umpires, and teachers should all strive to practice fairness.

Fairness comes from the Old English fæger, meaning "pleasing, attractive." This makes sense given that the word is also used to describe physical beauty. Fairness can refer to someone's good looks, or if someone is very pale and blond, you might notice the fairness of her complexion. When someone shows fairness is making a decision, he is pleasing all parties involved and offering a solution that is attractive to everyone.

Definitions of fairness
  1. noun
    conformity with rules or standards
    “the judge recognized the fairness of my claim”
    synonyms: equity
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    inequity, unfairness
    injustice by virtue of not conforming with rules or standards
    fairness in treating people without prejudice
    fairness in following the rules of the game
    type of:
    justice, justness
    the quality of being just or fair
  2. noun
    ability to make judgments free from discrimination or dishonesty
    synonyms: candor, candour, fair-mindedness
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    partiality that is not fair or equitable
    type of:
    impartiality, nonpartisanship
    an inclination to weigh both views or opinions equally
  3. noun
    the property of having a naturally light complexion
    synonyms: blondness, paleness
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    type of:
    complexion, skin color, skin colour
    the coloring of a person's face
  4. noun
    the quality of being good looking and attractive
    synonyms: beauteousness, comeliness, loveliness
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    type of:
    the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
Word Family