english
1
general::
noun two things the same ADJ. matching a matching pair of vases | identical PREP. in a/the ~ Answer one question in each pair. | in ~s These candlesticks only come in pairs. | ~ of a pair of shoes PHRASES one of a pair one of a pair of crystal vases people who are connected ADJ. inseparable | good | happy (= a newly married couple) | odd They make an odd pair. VERB + PAIR match The pair were matched for age. | make I thought they would make a good pair so I arranged for them to meet. PREP. in a/the ~ The students worked in pairs. male and female animal ADJ. breeding PAIR + VERB breed, mate PREP. ~ of a pair of swans nesting by the river
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
2
general::
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
noun [ countable ] two people who are married or having a sexual relationship:
• a married couple • The couple met at university.
twins
noun [ plural ] two children who were born on the same day to the same mother:
• The twins look very alike. • identical twins
duo
noun [ countable ] two people who perform together or who are often seen together:
• a comedy duo
duet
noun [ countable ] a piece of music written for two people to play:
• They played a duet by Brahms.
twice
two times adverb:
• The group meets twice a week. • She sneezed twice.
Longman-Thesaurus
3
general::
noun
male and female:
He had a pair of rabbits.
verb
get them together:
We tried to pair them at the party.
noun
couple:
They make a lovely pair.
Simple Definitions
4
general::
In addition to the idiom beginning with PAIR, Also see SHOW ONE'S (A CLEAN PAIR OF) HEELS.
American Heritage Idioms
5
general::
pair up
to join together temporarily with another person in order to do something
• Everyone should pair up for the next dance., pair sb off
[ M ]
to introduce two people to each other so that they will start a romantic relationship
• I managed to pair my best friend Sue off with Mike., pair off
to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with someone
• All my friends seem to be pairing off and getting married.
• Ravens nest very early in the spring and they pair off in the late autumn.
Cambridge-Phrasal Verbs