Exhibition vs. Fair: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
An exhibition is a display or presentation of works or items, while a fair is a gathering for entertainment, trade, or competition.
Key Differences
An exhibition is primarily a showcase. It is designed to display or introduce a collection of items, such as artwork, artifacts, or even technological innovations, to an audience. This format often prioritizes aesthetics and educational content. A fair, on the other hand, can be multi-faceted, embracing trade, entertainment, and sometimes competition. It often brings together vendors, performers, and diverse activities in a communal setting.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
One can visit an art exhibition to appreciate paintings, sculptures, and other artistic endeavors. Such events are often hosted in galleries or museums. A fair, conversely, might be an open-air event, perhaps in a park or dedicated ground, featuring stalls, rides, and shows. Here, people engage in buying, selling, and partaking in various entertainments.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Exhibitions often have a thematic coherence. For instance, an exhibition might center around a particular artist, historical period, or a specific theme. They seek to educate or provoke thought. Fairs, however, offer a broader range of experiences. From agricultural displays to amusement rides, from food stalls to craft vendors, a fair provides a more holistic experience.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
While the term 'exhibition' predominantly connotes a serious, often curated display, 'fair' implies festivity and diverse attractions. However, there are overlaps. Trade exhibitions or expos can resemble fairs in their bustling energy and variety of stalls. Similarly, some fairs, like book fairs, might focus intensely on a single theme, akin to exhibitions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Display or presentation of items.
Gathering for entertainment, trade, or competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
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Setting
Often indoors, like galleries or convention centers.
Typically open-air, in parks or fairgrounds.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Duration
Can be short-term or long-term.
Generally short-term, seasonal events.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Common Themes
Art, history, technology, etc.
Agriculture, entertainment, trade, etc.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Exhibition and Fair Definitions
Exhibition
A public display of art or items.
The museum held an exhibition of ancient relics.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 05, 2023
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Fair
A gathering for the sale of goods.
The craft fair attracted local artisans.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Exhibition
A public show of a specific skill or activity.
She gave an exhibition of her gymnastic talents.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Fair
A periodic gathering for trade.
Merchants from afar came to the annual trade fair.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Exhibition
A deliberate display or showcase.
The event was more of an exhibition than a competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Fair
An exhibition for competition and display in various fields.
She won a blue ribbon at the science fair.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
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Exhibition
A thematic collection presented to an audience.
The photography exhibition drew large crowds.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Fair
A fun-filled event with rides and games.
Kids eagerly await the carnival fair every summer.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Fair
Of pleasing appearance, especially because of a pure or fresh quality; comely.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
A large-scale public showing, as of art objects or industrial or agricultural products.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
Chiefly British A grant given to a scholar by a school or university.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
A large-scale public showing of objects or products.
There was an art exhibition on in the town hall.
A boat exhibition
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
A public display, intentional or otherwise, generally characterised as negative, a shameful exhibition or a disgusting exhibition
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Having or exhibiting a disposition that is free of favoritism or bias; impartial
A fair mediator.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Just to all parties; equitable
A compromise that is fair to both factions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
(UK) A financial award or prize given to a student (who becomes an exhibitioner) by a school or university, usually on the basis of academic merit.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Being in accordance with relative merit or significance
She wanted to receive her fair share of the proceeds.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
(sports) A game which does not impact the standings for any major cup or competition.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
The act of exhibiting for inspection, or of holding forth to view; manifestation; display.
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Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Moderately good; acceptable or satisfactory
Gave only a fair performance of the play.
In fair health.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
That which is exhibited, held forth, or displayed; also, any public show; a display of works of art, or of feats of skill, or of oratorical or dramatic ability; as, an exhibition of animals; an exhibition of pictures, statues, etc.; an industrial exhibition.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
Sustenance; maintenance; allowance, esp. for meat and drink; pension.
What maintenance he from his friends receives,Like exhibition thou shalt have from me.
I have given more exhibitions to scholars, in my days, than to the priests.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
A collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Exhibition
An organized presentation of a selection of items.
The tech exhibition showcased the latest innovations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Fair
To join (pieces) so as to be smooth, even, or regular
Faired the aircraft's wing into the fuselage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
A gathering for the buying and selling of goods, often held at a particular time and place; a market
We attended the annual book fair.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
An exhibition of home or farm products and skills, usually with competitions and entertainments
My pumpkin won first prize at the county fair.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
An exhibition intended to inform people about a product or business opportunity
A computer fair.
A job fair.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
An event, usually for the benefit of a charity or public institution, including entertainment and the sale of goods; a bazaar
A church fair.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Beautiful, of a pleasing appearance, with a pure and fresh quality.
Monday's child is fair of face.
There was once a knight who wooed a fair young maid.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Unblemished (figuratively or literally); clean and pure; innocent.
One's fair name
After scratching out and replacing various words in the manuscript, he scribed a fair copy to send to the publisher.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Light in color, pale, particularly with regard to skin tone but also referring to blond hair.
She had fair hair and blue eyes.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Adequate, reasonable, or decent, but not excellent.
Their performance has been only fair.
The patient was in a fair condition after some treatment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Not overcast; cloudless; clear; pleasant; propitious; said of the sky, weather, or wind, etc.
A fair sky;
A fair day
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Free from obstacles or hindrances; unobstructed; unencumbered; open; direct; said of a road, passage, etc.
A fair mark;
In fair sight;
A fair view
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
(shipbuilding) Without sudden change of direction or curvature; smooth; flowing; said of the figure of a vessel, and of surfaces, water lines, and other lines.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Taken direct from an opponent's foot, without the ball touching the ground or another player.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
(statistics) Of a coin or die, having equal chance of landing on any side, unbiased.
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Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Something which is fair (in various senses of the adjective).
When will we learn to distinguish between the fair and the foul?
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
(obsolete) A woman, a member of the ‘fair sex’; also as a collective singular, women.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
An event for professionals in a trade to learn of new products and do business, a trade fair.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
A travelling amusement park (called a funfair in British English and a (travelling) carnival in US English).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
(transitive) To smoothen or even a surface (especially a connection or junction on a surface).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
(transitive) To bring into perfect alignment (especially about rivet holes when connecting structural members).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
(transitive) To construct or design with the aim of producing a smooth outline or reducing air drag or water resistance.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Clearly, openly, frankly, civilly, honestly, favorably, auspiciously, agreeably
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Free from spots, specks, dirt, or imperfection; unblemished; clean; pure.
A fair white linen cloth.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Pleasing to the eye; handsome; beautiful.
Who can not see many a fair French city, for one fair French made.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Without a dark hue; light; clear; as, a fair skin.
The northern people large and fair-complexioned.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Not overcast; cloudless; clear; pleasant; propitious; favorable; - said of the sky, weather, or wind, etc.; as, a fair sky; a fair day.
You wish fair winds may waft him over.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Free from obstacles or hindrances; unobstructed; unincumbered; open; direct; - said of a road, passage, etc.; as, a fair mark; in fair sight; a fair view.
The caliphs obtained a mighty empire, which was in a fair way to have enlarged.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Without sudden change of direction or curvature; smooth; flowing; - said of the figure of a vessel, and of surfaces, water lines, and other lines.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Characterized by frankness, honesty, impartiality, or candor; open; upright; free from suspicion or bias; equitable; just; - said of persons, character, or conduct; as, a fair man; fair dealing; a fair statement.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Pleasing; favorable; inspiring hope and confidence; - said of words, promises, etc.
When fair words and good counsel will not prevail on us, we must be frighted into our duty.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Free from any marked characteristic; average; middling; as, a fair specimen.
The news is very fair and good, my lord.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Clearly; openly; frankly; civilly; honestly; favorably; auspiciously; agreeably.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
A gathering of buyers and sellers, assembled at a particular place with their merchandise at a stated or regular season, or by special appointment, for trade.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
A festival, and sale of fancy articles. erc., usually for some charitable object; as, a Grand Army fair; a church fair.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
A competitive exhibition of wares, farm products, etc., not primarily for purposes of sale; as, the Mechanics' fair; an agricultural fair.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
An exhibition by a number of organizations, including governmental organizations, for the purpose of acquainting people with such organizations or their members, not primarily for commercial purposes; as, the 1939 World's Fair.
Meet me in St. Louis, LouisMeet me at the fairDon't tell me the lights are shiningAnyplace but there.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Gathering of producers to promote business;
World fair
Trade fair
Book fair
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
A competitive exhibition of farm products;
She won a blue ribbon for her baking at the county fair
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; or conforming with established standards or rules;
A fair referee
Fair deal
On a fair footing
A fair fight
By fair means or foul
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Very pleasing to the eye;
My bonny lass
There's a bonny bay beyond
A comely face
Young fair maidens
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
(of a baseball) hit between the foul lines;
He hit a fair ball over the third base bag
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
Of no exceptional quality or ability;
A novel of average merit
Only a fair performance of the sonata
In fair health
The caliber of the students has gone from mediocre to above average
The performance was middling at best
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
(of a manuscript) having few alterations or corrections;
Fair copy
A clean manuscript
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2022
Fair
In conformity with the rules or laws and without fraud or cheating;
They played fairly
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Nov 19, 2022
Fair
An event with stalls, entertainment, and activities.
The county fair is this weekend.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
FAQs
Can an exhibition be interactive?
Yes, especially in cases like science or tech exhibitions.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
Are all exhibitions open to the public?
Most are, but some might be private or require tickets.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
What's a notable type of fair?
The Renaissance fair, celebrating medieval culture.
Sara Rehman
Oct 05, 2023
Can an exhibition be digital?
Yes, online or virtual exhibitions have become popular.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
What's the main purpose of an exhibition?
To display or present a collection of items or works.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Is a carnival similar to a fair?
Yes, a carnival is a type of fair with rides and entertainment.
Janet White
Oct 05, 2023
Are fairs usually free?
Some are, but many charge an entry fee or fees for certain attractions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
Can a fair be indoors?
While often outdoors, fairs can be held indoors, especially trade fairs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2023
How are exhibitions usually advertised?
Through media, flyers, and online platforms.
Harlon Moss
Oct 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
