The differences between “fair” and “just” are subtle, and for the most part, they are interchangeable words. However, this article will look at the key differences that help us to use one over the other and when each version is best suited.
What Is The Difference Between Fair And Just?
You should use “fair” when you want to talk about something that is satisfactory for all parties involved or when a compromise has been achieved. You should use “just” when you want to say that something is morally correct and fair.
Typically, both words work to mean that something is “equal.” We can work on something being both fair and just when we want to show that two things are equal in magnitude to each other.
Whether those things appease two or more parties and fully satisfy their expectations or whether it’s more to do with the moral equality of it, most native speakers don’t note a key difference between “fair” and “just.”
What Does It Mean To Be “Fair”?
We’ll start by looking a little closer at what it means to be “fair.” From this, you might better understand how we can use the word in certain situations.
“Fair” means that we’re treating someone in a reasonable way and offering them something that they will deem satisfactory and kind. Often, we do “fair deals” and “fair trades” to make sure every party involved gets the best deal possible before parting ways.
The meaning of “fair,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “treating someone in a way that is right or reasonable, or treating a group of people equally and not allowing personal opinions to influence your judgment.”
It’s right to practice “fair” things, and most people will avoid you if you don’t. For example, if a company made it clear that they weren’t taking part in “fair trade” because they didn’t believe in it, it would be likely that people would start to boycott the ideals of that company.
What Does It Mean To Be “Just”?
“Just” works in a similar way, but it’s more related to the moral angle of things while also trying to keep things equal.
“Just” means that we’re working with the confines of what is morally correct. That means there is a good reason for the things happening the way that they are, and many people believe in the valid morals of whatever the situation is.
The meaning of “just,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “fair; morally correct.”
Generally, we use it to talk about things like “just wars” or “just settlements,” where the morals behind them are valid and true, and they’re the only reason that we’re going through with these things.
What Does It Mean To Be “Fair And Just”?
“Fair” and “just” both mean similar things. Both words talk about people achieving equality of some level, which is ideal when we want to use them in writing. However, they can also be used together as one phrase.
When something is “fair and just,” it means it’s equal in every possible way. It means that everyone is treated with the respect they deserve and given the satisfaction related to what they’re asking for while also being within the moral confines of the result.
You can often see things described as “fair and just” when there isn’t a better option. If everyone is content with the outcome, then it’s likely that something is “fair and just” because everyone is pleased with the equality.
Examples Of How To Use “Fair” In A Sentence
It will help you to see the words in action. That way, you’ll know how they work in sentences and how you can use them for yourself.
“Fair” means equal and that everyone is treated with the respect they deserve. It’s closely related to a sense of righteousness and responsibility, which you won’t always find in the same situations.
- I want you to go through a fair trial, and I’ll do anything I can to make sure it happens.
- It’s not fair that you’ve got to go away!
- You’re getting a fair deal here, and I think you should take the opportunity!
- This is a fair trade market, and we refuse to use anything that isn’t grown by one of our own.
- You won’t find much that’s fair around these parts. Everyone is out to get you.
- This is as fair as I could make the agreement, and I hope you agree with the terms.
- I want a clean and fair contract if you could write that up for me.
Examples Of How To Use “Just” In A Sentence
“Just” is used when we’re talking about someone’s moral compass. Of course, everyone’s moral ideas are different, so what’s “just” to some people may not be “just” to others.
We use “just” when we want things to be equal, fair, and morally correct. It usually goes one step further than “fair” to make sure things are as moral as they possibly can be.
- I’d like this to be a just settlement, so I want you to tell me what you need.
- We only fight this war because it’s just!
- We come from a time of just wars and fair trials and don’t tell me otherwise.
- It’s just to demand that he pays for his sins!
- Your God delivers nothing but just punishments, and you must obey his command.
- It’s hard to find someone with just values anymore.
- The reason for this isn’t as just as you seem to think it is.
Examples Of How To Use “Fair And Just” In A Sentence
“Fair and just” is common as an idiom, but we typically don’t use it all that much in practice. Still, we might see the following examples occur:
- I’d like everything here to be fair and just, meaning you all have to do your best to please everyone.
- This is as fair and just as I could get it, and I hope it suffices.
- We need this trial to be fair and just. Do not fail us.
- Your court trial has been pushed back to allow them to figure out how to make it fair and just.
- This verdict is fair and just, and it is final.
“Fair” And “Just” – Synonyms
If you’re struggling with the differences between the two words, it may help you to know some synonyms and alternatives. With these, you can still convey your meaning while also not worrying about confusing the words.
- Equal
- Moral
- Honest
- Upright
- Equitable
- Honorable
- Noble
- Trustworthy
- Impartial
- Unbiased
- Unprejudiced
- Good
- Proper
These synonyms are great for both “fair” and “just.” We typically use ones like “impartial” to replace “fair,” meaning everyone has an equal chance, while “moral” and “honest” replace “just” because it talks about moral correctness.
What Is The Difference Between Right And Just?
Generally, there isn’t much of a difference between “right” and “just” from an objective standpoint. However, subjectively, there is a key difference.
“Right” means morally good and acceptable, which is defined as something that everyone will agree with because it’s the right thing to do. “Just” means morally correct, though it doesn’t always correlate with the right thing to do.
Things that are “right” are almost always positive and good, while things that are “just” don’t always have to be.
What Is The Difference Between Fair And Reasonable?
The same applies when we look at “fair” and “reasonable.” Objectively, they’re both similar in what they convey, but subjectively they come with different meanings.
“Reasonable” means having good judgment and being as fair as possible. It relates to the final judgment of an event and how well it was carried out with everything considered. “Fair” means equal and satisfactory, with an unbiased opinion to get there.
Generally, both words are interchangeable, though it’s likely you’ll use “fair” to talk about a decision that was satisfactory, and “reasonable” to talk about a decision that was “justifiable” and “kind.”
Are Ethics And Fairness The Same?
Ethics and fairness are not the same things, and it would help you to learn a little more about them before you try to discuss them.
Ethics talks about the moral correctness of certain things, which we can use to determine whether something is good or bad (and is usually subjective). Fairness talks about how well people are treated based on their problems or issues.
Generally, ethics are argued more because they’re easier for people to differ on opinion of. One person might believe one thing is good, while someone else might think it’s unjust and unkind.
However, fairness usually means someone is treated in a way that’s appropriate to their needs. If they’ve committed a crime, they will be punished, and if they’ve been good, they will be rewarded.
What Does “Morally Just” Mean?
“Morally just” means that something follows all of the possible moral codes that one person has. However, “morally just” is seen as redundant and is rarely used since “just” already means “moral” in its clear definition.
You’re better off using “just” when you want to talk about things fitting in with a moral code.
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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.