fare - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
fare Word Meanings
- to perform in a specified way
- the price paid for a journey
- to get along or manage
fare Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
fare Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/feə/
US
/fɛr/
fare Word Etymology
fare = go/perform + Old English 'faran' means to go. Picture a traveler measuring the distance they 'fare' on their journey.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the strap and push my card toward the reader as the doors sigh closed. The screen lights up, the numbers shift, and I feel the fare settle into the ride. The bus moves forward, I lean a bit, adjust my bag, and keep my balance. In that moment I realize my success isn’t just about the price paid, but how I move with the city and the choices I make along the way.
Real Context
Fare has two main uses in English. As a noun, it refers to the price you pay for a journey on public transport, such as a bus or train fare, or more generally to the price of something. As a verb, fare means to perform in a certain way or to get along or manage in a situation. The word traces back to go and perform, with Old English faran meaning to go. In modern usage, you’ll hear phrases like 'how you fare' and 'fare well' (though the latter is more literary). People also discuss how well someone or something fared in experiments, tests, or travel, illustrating both senses in everyday speech.
Usage Reminders
- Know both senses of fare; use 'fare' for prices and 'fare' as a verb only in fixed expressions; don’t confuse with 'fair'; listen for context to decide meaning; use collocations like 'bus fare', 'train fare', 'fared well'; remember 'fare' can pair with adjectives like 'poorly' or 'well'; consider 'airfare' as a separate compound for flights.
Common Misconceptions
- Fare and fair are often confused due to their similar sound.
- 'Fare' is only about money, not about how someone is doing in life.
- Airfare is a separate term, not a general 'fare' for all journeys.
- You cannot say 'the fare is well'—you say 'how you fare' or 'you fare well'.
- Some learners think 'fare' means 'to travel' rather than the price.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice both noun and verb senses in simple sentences
- Link fare with common travel nouns (bus, train, ticket)
- Distinguish fare from fair by sound and context
- Listen for collocations like 'airfare' vs 'bus fare'
- Pay attention to fixed expressions: how you fare, fare well
- Practice with real-world receipts or transit apps
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'fare' mean?
A.Food
B.Transportation
C.Winner's prize
D.Clothing
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'fare' correctly?
A.She had a delicious fare for dinner.
B.The taxi driver gave her a book as a fare.
C.He won the game and received a fare.
D.The fare was soft and comfortable.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'fare'?
A.Fee
B.Heart
C.Rain
D.Happy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'fare'?
A.Depart
B.Arrive
C.Stay
D.Greeting
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of 'fare'?
A.She paid her fare to ride the bus.
B.He walked to school every day.
C.They enjoyed a picnic in the park.
D.I like to read books in my free time.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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