DictionaryfairLight coloring
adjective

fair

light in color, especially of hair or skin

Her fair hair shines in the afternoon sunlight.

Etymology

The inherited word meant beautiful or pleasing. It developed a specific use for a light complexion or hair color; that color sense is conventional rather than a literal description of beauty.

More examples

  • He has fair skin that burns easily.
  • The child's hair became fairer during the summer.
  • She chose colors that suited her fair complexion.

Forms

fair · fairer · fairest

Similar words

pale
May describe reduced color rather than naturally light coloring.
blond
Specifically light hair rather than complexion generally.