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par-

pref.

Variant of para-¹.

par

(pär)

1. An amount or level considered to be average; a standard: performing up to par; did not yet feel up to par.

2. An equality of status, level, or value; equal footing: a local product on a par with the best foreign makes.

3. The established value of a monetary unit expressed in terms of a monetary unit of another country using the same metal standard.

4. See par value.

5. Sports The number of golf strokes considered necessary to complete a hole or course in expert play.

tr.v. parred, par·ring, pars
Sports

To score par on (a hole or course) in golf.

adj.

1. Equal to the standard; normal: a solid, par performance.

2. Of or relating to monetary face value.

Idiom:

par for the course

Usual; typical: Unfortunately, such short-sightedness is par for the course these days.

[From Latin pār, equal, that which is equal; see perə-² in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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