A1noun 1K

Pair

UK /["/peə(r)/"]/ US /["/per/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

two things of the same type, especially when they are used or worn together

Listen to definition

In simple words: A group of two things or people that are similar or connected.

Examples

• I bought a new pair of shoes yesterday.
• Can you help me find a pair of socks?
• The teacher asked us to work in pairs for the project.
• He is always looking for a perfect pair to match his outfit.
• In tennis, a pair of players can form a doubles team.

Usage notes

Often used when mentioning two items that belong together. Suitable for general use but can sound too casual in formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

pair + of + object

Memory hint

Think of a pair of shoes; always two and they go together.

Collocations

• matching
• identical
• clean
• in a/​the pair
• in pairs
• pair of
• one of a pair
• happy
• odd
• match
• make
• in a/​the pair
• breeding
• mating
• nesting
• breed
• mate
• pair of

Synonyms

• duo
• couple
• twosome
• double

Antonyms

• single
• individual

Common mistakes

• Confusing 'pair' with 'pare' (to cut off) or 'pear' (the fruit).
• Using ‘pairs’ when referring to a single group of two (should be 'pair').
• Mixing up 'pair' with 'set' when referring to more than two items.