Par

Etymology

From Latin "par" (equal), the word named an equality of value, and its "par value" sense is old in finance. Golf borrowed it around 1900 for the score an expert is expected to need on a hole, giving us "under par" and "above par." To feel "below par" now means merely off one’s usual form.

noun · /PAHR/
The expected standard of performance, against which results are judged as above or below.
What it names
A shared baseline of "as expected," letting us speak of exceeding or falling short of the norm.
Example
This quarter’s numbers were fine but not up to par with the launch we had promised.
Related idea
Par is the expected standard, while a benchmark is a concrete reference point you deliberately measure against.
noun · /PAHR/
The stated face value of a share, bond, or currency, as opposed to its market price.
What it names
nominal or face value in finance
Example
The bonds were issued at par and later traded above it.
Related idea
From the Latin for “equal” — at par, price equals face value, and the everyday “on a par with” shares this root. Compare proportion.