French word

fair-play

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛʁplɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfair play

Example

Le fair-play est important dans le sport.

Fair play is important in sport.

Illustration for fair-play (fair play)

More examples

Agir avec fair-play renforce le respect entre équipes.

Acting with fair play strengthens respect between teams.

Core concept

A competitor accepts the rules, plays honestly, and respects opponents even when winning matters.

Common phrases

  • agir avec fair-play

    act with fair play

  • esprit de fair-play

    spirit of fair play

Similar words

sportivité: Polite and fair conduct during a sporting contest.
esprit sportif: An attitude of respecting opponents, whatever the result.
courtoisie: Polite and considerate treatment of others.
respect: An attitude of valuing other people's feelings and positions.

Definition in French

Esprit sportif fondé sur la justice et le respect, rejetant la tricherie.

Word origin

French fair-play is a borrowing of the English compound fair plus play, used as a noun for an ideal of honest and respectful conduct.

Usage tips

  • Fair-play is a masculine noun in French, so standard usage has le fair-play and faire preuve de fair-play.

Other meanings

  • fairnessnoun

Opposites

  • tricheriecheatingnoun
  • malhonnêtetédishonestynoun

Word lists with this word