Fairing vs. Faring – Which is Correct?

While often confused due to similar sounds, fairing and faring are distinct words with different meanings and parts of speech. Fairing is a noun referring to an aerodynamic cover, commonly found on vehicles. Faring is the present participle of the verb “to fare,” meaning to progress or get along.

Fairing or Faring – Which is Correct?

Both “fairing” and “faring” are correct words in American English, but they are not interchangeable. Their confusion often stems from their similar pronunciation and spelling. The key to distinguishing them lies in their fundamental roles in a sentence: one is almost exclusively a noun, and the other is a verb form.

For a deeper dive into their origins, understanding the distinction between fare versus fair can further clarify their usage.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Fairing	Noun	An external structure on a vehicle designed to reduce drag or for aesthetics.	The new motorcycle’s fairing was designed for optimal aerodynamics.
Faring	Verb (present participle of “fare”)	Progressing; getting along; experiencing a particular condition.	How are you faring with your new responsibilities?

How to Use Fairing

“Fairing” is predominantly used as a noun to describe a protective or aerodynamic cover, typically on vehicles like motorcycles, aircraft, or boats. Its primary function is often to streamline the vehicle, reduce air resistance (drag), or protect internal components and the rider/pilot from the elements. It can also refer to the act of making a surface fair or smooth.

Example 1: The racing team installed a lightweight carbon fiber fairing on their bike to gain a competitive edge.

Example 2: Aircraft engineers designed the engine fairing to seamlessly integrate with the wing structure.

Example 3: The boat builders spent hours on the hull fairing, ensuring a perfectly smooth finish.

What are the different forms of Fairing?

As a noun, “fairing” primarily has a plural form:

• Singular: fairing (e.g., “a single fairing”)
• Plural: fairings (e.g., “multiple fairings”)

Less commonly, it can be used as a verb meaning “to make fair or smooth,” especially in shipbuilding, in which case its forms would be “to fair,” “fairs,” “faired,” and “fairing.” However, this verb usage is specialized and less frequent in general English compared to its noun form.

Etymology of the word Fairing

The noun “fairing” comes from the adjective “fair,” meaning pleasing to the eye, beautiful, or just. In a more technical sense, “fair” also means smooth, even, or suitable. The suffix “-ing” turns it into a noun denoting a structure or an action. Its use in aerodynamics and shipbuilding relates to making surfaces smooth and even for optimal performance or appearance, originating from the Old English “fæger” (beautiful, pleasant).

How to Use Faring

“Faring” is the present participle of the verb “to fare.” It describes how someone or something is progressing, getting along, or experiencing a particular condition. It often appears in questions or statements about well-being, success, or the state of affairs.

Example 1: After a challenging quarter, the company is faring much better financially.

Example 2: How are you faring since your recent move to the city?

Example 3: Despite the difficult weather conditions, the expedition team was faring remarkably well.

What are the different forms of Faring?

“Faring” is a form of the irregular verb “to fare.” Its principal parts are:

• Base form: fare (e.g., “How do you fare?”)
• Third-person singular present: fares (e.g., “He fares well.”)
• Past simple: fared (e.g., “They fared poorly.”)
• Present participle: faring (e.g., “She is faring better.”)
• Past participle: fared (e.g., “They have fared well.”)

Etymology of the word Faring

The verb “to fare” has a rich history, tracing back to the Old English verb “faran,” which meant “to journey, travel, go.” Over time, its meaning evolved to include “to get along” or “to happen to.” This ancient Germanic root is also related to the modern German “fahren” (to drive, travel) and the Dutch “varen” (to sail, travel).

Related Concepts

Understanding the distinction between “fairing” and “faring” highlights the critical role of parts of speech in English grammar. “Fairing” is almost exclusively a noun, identifying a specific object. “Faring,” on the other hand, is a verb form, describing an action or state of being. Correctly identifying whether a word functions as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb is fundamental to constructing clear and grammatically sound sentences. Misusing one for the other, as with “fairing” and “faring,” creates confusion because it attempts to substitute an object for an action, or vice-versa, which fundamentally changes the sentence’s meaning and structure.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The sleek, aerodynamic fairing of the new superbike cut through the wind with minimal resistance.” – Motorcycle News
• “Despite the economic downturn, many small businesses are faring surprisingly well, adapting to new market demands.” – The Wall Street Journal
• “He removed the engine cowl, a complex piece of composite fairing, to access the internal components for maintenance.” – From a technical manual on aircraft maintenance.
• “How are you faring in your new role?” she asked, a genuine concern in her voice. – From a contemporary novel.
• “The ship’s crew was expertly smoothing the final layers of the hull fairing before the vessel could be painted.” – Naval Architecture Review

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The new company is _______ remarkably well in a competitive market.
2. He carefully polished the motorcycle’s _______ before the big race.
3. After a week of intense hiking, how are your feet _______?
4. The aircraft’s landing gear _______ retracts smoothly into the fuselage.
5. She inquired about how her former colleagues were _______ after the company restructuring.

Answer Key

1. faring
2. fairing
3. faring
4. fairing
5. faring

Fairing Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Cowl	A removable covering for an engine or part of an aircraft or motor vehicle.
Shroud	A cover or enclosure that conceals or protects.
Housing	A case or covering that encloses and protects.
Enclosure	An area or object that is enclosed or surrounded.

Faring Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Progressing	Moving forward or developing towards a more advanced state.
Getting along	Managing to live or deal with a situation; succeeding.
Managing	Succeeding in doing or dealing with something, especially something difficult.
Doing	Performing an action or activity; often used informally to inquire about well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “fairing” be used as a verb?
Yes, in specialized contexts, particularly in shipbuilding, “to fair” means to make a surface smooth or even. “Fairing” would then be its present participle (e.g., “The crew is fairing the hull”). However, its noun usage for an aerodynamic cover is far more common in general English.

Question 2: Is “faring” ever a noun?
No, “faring” is exclusively a verb form (the present participle of “to fare”). It does not function as a noun in modern English.

Question 3: How can I remember the difference between “fairing” and “faring”?
Think of “fairing” as related to something that makes a vehicle “fair” (smooth, aerodynamic) – it’s a thing (noun). Think of “faring” as related to how you are “fare-ing” (doing, progressing) – it’s an action or state (verb).

Conclusion

The distinction between “fairing” and “faring” is a clear example of how subtle spelling differences can indicate entirely different meanings and grammatical roles. “Fairing” is a noun, primarily referring to an aerodynamic component on a vehicle, while “faring” is a verb form, indicating how something is progressing or performing. Recognizing these differences is crucial for clear and effective communication. Using the correct word demonstrates precision and enhances your professional reputation in both written and spoken contexts.