The phrase "were on par" is often used to describe something that is equal or comparable. The word "were" is pronounced as /wər/ in IPA transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. It refers to the past tense of the verb "to be", indicating that something was equal in the past. "On par" is pronounced as /ɑːn pɑː(r)/. "On" is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɑː/ and "par" with the /pɑːr/ sound, indicating that it is of French origin.
On par is an idiomatic expression that is typically used to describe a situation or a comparison between two or more things that are considered to be equal in terms of quality, level, or performance. When saying that two things were on par, it means that they were at the same level, or they exhibited a similar standard or degree of excellence. This phrase is often used when discussing achievements, skills, capabilities, or outcomes.
The term "on par" can also be used to illustrate a fair or equitable balance between two entities. It implies that the objects or individuals being referred to have an equal footing or are treated with equal consideration. This phrase can be employed when discussing fairness, justice, or even a fair competition where everyone has an equal chance of success.
It is worth noting that the phrase "on par" is derived from golf terminology, where it refers to the state of having achieved the same score as one's opponent. In golf, being "on par" means that a player has completed a hole with the exact number of strokes that have been designated as the standard. The usage of the term has since expanded beyond the realm of golf to encompass a broader range of contexts, where it describes the equal or comparable nature of different elements.