What is on par?

The phrase "on par" is commonly used in English to indicate that something is equal to or at a level with something else. It's often used to compare qualities, standards, or performances.

1. Golf Terminology: In golf, "par" is the standard number of strokes that a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or round. When a player's performance is "on par," it means they have taken the expected number of strokes. Scoring "on par" is considered competent and solid, neither underperforming nor excelling beyond expectations.

2. General Usage: Beyond golf, "on par" is used more broadly to describe situations where two things are comparable in quality, value, or status. For example, if someone says, "Their proposal is on par with ours," they mean that the competing proposal is of equal quality or merit.

3. Performance Comparison: In business or academics, saying something is "on par" might imply that a company's performance or a student's grades are meeting the expected benchmarks or industry standards.

4. Financial Context: In finance, especially in the context of bonds and stock markets, "on par" refers to the situation where the price of a bond is equal to its face value.

In general, using "on par" suggests a state of equality or meeting expected standards.