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Commonly Confused
🔊 Homophones: 100% Identical Pronunciation (⁄pɛər⁄)

How to Pronounce pear vs pair

Key Pronunciation Contrast

Homophones (⁄pɛər⁄): a ‘pair’ is a set of two; a ‘pear’ is a sweet bell-shaped fruit.

Contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄pɛər⁄

Word 1Full word page➔

pear

⁄pɛər⁄

Syllables

PEAR

Definition:

An edible fruit produced by the pear tree, similar to an apple but typically elongated towards the stem.

Word 2Full word page➔

pair

⁄pɛər⁄

Syllables

PAIR

Definition:

Two alike or identical things taken together; often followed by of.

“Ting, ting, ting! went the bell again. Every body sat down; the curtain shook, rose sufficiently high to display several pair of yellow boots paddling about, and there it remained.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: pear vs pair

What is the difference in pronunciation between "pear" and "pair"?

Homophones (⁄pɛər⁄): a ‘pair’ is a set of two; a ‘pear’ is a sweet bell-shaped fruit.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "pear" vs "pair"?

"pear" has 1 syllable(s) (pear) with stress on "PEAR". "pair" has 1 syllable(s) (pair) with stress on "PAIR".

Why do English learners often confuse "pear" and "pair"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄pɛər⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "pear" and "pair"?

Example for "pear": "Pear, spelt P -E -A -R, is a type of fruit, often recognised by its skinny top and larger bottom." Example for "pair": "Ting, ting, ting! went the bell again. Every body sat down; the curtain shook, rose sufficiently high to display several pair of yellow boots paddling about, and there it remained."