fair meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"fair meaning" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing interpretations that are just or reasonable. For example: "The contract should be interpreted to give it a fair meaning." Alternative expressions include "reasonable interpretation" and "just meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Except for brief periods, I have always worked, and I have had fair success in finding jobs, fair meaning that I managed somehow, after long and exhaustive effort in the face of staggering odds.

The New York Times

3490 we must give it careful scrutiny lest those be brought within its reach who are not clearly included; but after such scrutiny we must give it the fair meaning of its intendment.

Cornell University

The language of all parts of this agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any party.

Stanford University

To be sure, the court's construction of this statute so as to make it include procedures other than live-birth abortion involves not only a disregard of fair meaning, but an abandonment of the principle that even ambiguous statutes should be interpreted in such fashion as to render them valid rather than void.

The New York Times

In addition, the FCC’s assumption that any increase in cost (or decrease in quality) imposed by denial of a network element renders access to that element “necessary,” and causes the failure to provide that element to “impair” the entrant’s ability to furnish its desired services, is simply not in accord with the ordinary and fair meaning of those terms.

Cornell University

On the important question before us today, whether that law denies local communities throughout the Nation significant powers of self-protection, we should try to give the text its fair meaning, whatever various committees might have had to say — thereby affirming the proposition that we are a Government of laws not of committee reports.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It is our task, as I see it, not to enter the minds of the Members of Congress—who need have nothing in mind in order for their votes to be both lawful and effective—but rather to give fair and reasonable meaning to the text of the United States Code, adopted by various Congresses at various times.

Cornell University

"Our job, it seems to me, is not to eliminate or reduce those oddities," he wrote, "but to give the formula Congress adopted its fairest meaning".

The New York Times

In transactions involving controlling shareholders, Delaware courts will generally review the transaction for entire fairness, meaning that the deal must meet standards of fair price and fair dealing.

The New York Times

Or should the emphasis be on fair trade, meaning that the workers who grow and cut them are safe and well paid?

The New York Times

In a telephone interview, Mr. Hooper said that the BBC must prove that statements in the "Top Gear" episode were either true or "fair comment," meaning an honest opinion on facts that are substantially true.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, pair it with verbs like "construe", "interpret", or "ascribe" to establish a clear analytical tone.

Common error

Avoid using "fair meaning" when you actually mean "fairly meaningful" or "somewhat important". The phrase "fair meaning" specifically refers to an interpretation that is just and reasonable, not one that is of average significance.

Linguistic Context

As a noun phrase, "fair meaning" typically functions as the direct object of a sentence or the object of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in phrases like "according to its "fair meaning"" or "give the text its "fair meaning"". This usage serves to ground an argument in a standard of objective reasonableness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fair meaning" is a robust and sophisticated phrase used to denote an interpretation that is both just and logical. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most prevalent in legal and academic contexts, where the exact nuances of language can have significant real-world consequences. Whether you are analyzing a Supreme Court decision or a corporate contract, using "fair meaning" allows you to appeal to a sense of balance and equity. It is a more formal alternative to a "just interpretation" and serves as a vital tool for writers aiming for precision and authority in their arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable interpretation

Focuses on logic and common sense rather than just fairness.

equitable construction

A technical legal term for building an interpretation based on fairness.

unbiased reading

Highlights the lack of prejudice in the interpretative process.

just significance

Emphasizes the moral or ethical weight of the interpretation.

impartial definition

Focuses on a definition that does not favor one party over another.

legitimate sense

Stresses the validity and lawfulness of the meaning.

proper understanding

Suggests there is a correct way to perceive the intent.

rational import

A more formal way to describe the logical consequence or meaning.

plain meaning

Focuses on the obvious, non-obscure interpretation of a text.

honest connotation

Focuses on the sincerity or implied truth behind a word choice.

FAQs

How do I use "fair meaning" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a balanced interpretation, such as: "The court sought to give the statute its "fair meaning" without overextending its reach".

What is the legal significance of "fair meaning"?

In legal contexts, it refers to an interpretation that is consistent with the likely intent of the authors and the common understanding of the language, often contrasted with a "strict construction".

Can I say "reasonable interpretation" instead of "fair meaning"?

Yes, "reasonable interpretation" is a very close synonym and is often interchangeable in academic and professional writing.

What is the difference between "fair meaning" and "literal meaning"?

While a "literal meaning" sticks strictly to the dictionary definition, "fair meaning" considers the broader context and the purpose behind the text to ensure justice.