par English · revision 7246

+ {{infobox|confidence=uncertain|formation=borrowing|attested=1601|origins=la par}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /pɑː/ ''(UK)''; /pɑɹ/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[bor|la|par|t=equal, well-matched; as a noun, that which is equal, equality]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)^(MWU 2024) a word of unknown and disputed origin;^(Etymonline) Watkins suggests PIE [[ine-pro|*perh₃-|alt=*pere-|t=to grant, allot]], with a suggestion of reciprocity.^(Etymonline) It is a doublet of [[peer]].^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Equality of value between currencies: 1622;^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989) MWU dates the word to 1601.^(MWU 2024) Equality of value or standing is from 1662.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Equality between the market and face value of shares is from 1726.^(OED 1989) An average or usual amount or condition, as in ''on a par'', ''below par'' and ''up to par'', is first recorded in Sterne's ''Tristram Shandy'' (1767).^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) In golf, the standard score for a hole or course, representing good play, is attested by 1898,^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988) and ''par for the course'', what can be expected, by 1928.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1622 – the rate of exchange of currencies.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1662 – equal standing.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1767 – an average condition.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1898 – in golf.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1928 – par for the course.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # ''(golf)'' The number of strokes a good player should need for a hole or course.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # The usual or expected standard: ''feeling below par''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # An equal level or footing: ''on a par with''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(finance)'' The face value of a share or bond.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[no-par]]

+ * [[subpar]]

+ * [[par value]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[parity]]

+ * [[peer]]

+ * [[pair]]

+ * [[compare]]

+ * [[umpire]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ The French preposition par, by, for, appears in borrowed phrases and in words such as [[parboil]] and [[pardon]].^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}