pair 1 S2 W2 / peə $ per / 名词 ( 复数形式 pairs or pair ) [可数名词]

1 joined together an object that is made from two similar parts that are joined together

pair of trousers/scissors/glasses etc

two pairs of jeans

a pair of black tights

2

belonging together two things of the same type that are used together

pair of

a new pair of sandals

pair of hands/eyes/legs etc

She felt as if every pair of eyes in the room was on her.

earrings, £5 a pair

a pair of skis

We have five pairs of free tickets to give away.

3 in pairs in groups of two :

We worked in pairs for the role-play exercise.

The leaves of the tree are arranged in pairs.

4 two people two people who are standing or doing something together, or who have some type of connection with each other :

The pair are looking for sponsorship from local businesses.

pair of

a pair of dancers ► Do not use pair to talk about a husband and wife (or two people in a similar relationship). Use couple : They’re a nice couple (NOT pair).

5 the pair of you/them British English spoken used when you are angry or annoyed with two people :

Oh, get out, the pair of you.

6 two animals

a) a male and a female animal that come together in order to breed

pair of

a pair of doves

a breeding pair

b) old use two horses that work together

7 I’ve only got one pair of hands spoken used to say that you are busy and cannot do any more than you are already doing

8 an extra pair of hands someone who helps you do something when you are busy :

Having an extra pair of hands during busy periods can take the pressure off.

9 a safe pair of hands someone you can trust and depend on because they are sensible – used especially in news reports :

Colleagues regard him as a safe pair of hands.

THESAURUS

pair two things of the same type that you use together. Also used about two people who do something together or who you often see together : a pair of shoes | a pair of socks | Winners will receive a pair of tickets for the show. | The pair were arrested six days after the killing. | They’re a funny pair! | The British pair will be playing in the final on Saturday.

a couple (of something) two things of the same type, or a very small number of things : There were a couple of empty seats at the table. | Do you have any stamps? I just need a couple.

couple 名词 [可数名词] two people who are married or having a sexual relationship : a married couple | The couple met at university.

twins 名词 [复数形式] two children who were born on the same day to the same mother : The twins look very alike. | identical twins

duo 名词 [可数名词] two people who perform together or who are often seen together : a comedy duo

duet 名词 [可数名词] a piece of music written for two people to play : They played a duet by Brahms.

twice two times 副词 : The group meets twice a week. | She sneezed twice.