fair, fare

The words fair, fare sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do fair, fare sound the same even though they are completely different words?

The answer is simple: fair, fare are homophones of the English language.

fair
  1. :: adjective

    Of pleasing appearance, especially because of a pure or fresh quality; comely.

  2. :: adjective

    Light in color, especially blond: fair hair.

  3. :: adjective

    Of light complexion: fair skin.

  4. :: adjective

    Free of clouds or storms; clear and sunny: fair skies.

fare
  1. :: verb-intransitive

    To get along: How are you faring with your project?

  2. :: verb-intransitive

    To go or happen: How does it fare with you?

  3. :: verb-intransitive

    To travel; go.

  4. :: verb-intransitive

    To dine; eat.

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition and Wordnik.

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About Homophones

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.

If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").