average and fair share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. average means “approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value”. fair means “free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules”. fair is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈævɚɪdʒ/
1.adj.approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
“the average income in New England is below that of the nation”
2.adj.lacking special distinction, rank, or status; commonly encountered
“average people”
3.adj.lacking exceptional quality or ability
“a novel of average merit”
| average | fair | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈævɚɪdʒ/ | /ˈfɛɹ/ |
| Said | AV-ur-ij | fer |
| Syllables | 3 | 1 |
| Letters | 7 | 4 |
| Parts of speech | adjective, noun, verb | adjective, noun, adverb, verb |
| Senses | 12 | 17 |
| How common | Common | Core |
| Synonyms | mean | just |
Full entry for average · Full entry for fair · More comparisons
/ˈfɛɹ/
1.adj.free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
“a fair referee”
2.adj.not excessive or extreme
“a fairish income”
3.adj.very pleasing to the eye
“my bonny lass”