fairly

word · lemma: fair

/ˈfɛɹɫi/
FAIR-lee
/fˈeəli/
FAIR-lee

Definition

To a moderate degree, more than a little but not extremely. It can also mean in a just and reasonable way, though this use is less common.

Usage & Nuances

Most often, fairly means 'quite' or 'rather' with adjectives and adverbs: 'fairly easy', 'fairly quickly'. It sounds softer than 'very'. Don't confuse it with 'fair' as an adjective meaning 'just' or 'light-colored'. The 'in a fair way' meaning appears in phrases like 'treat someone fairly'.

Example Sentences

The test was fairly easy.

basic

She speaks English fairly well.

basic

The teacher treated everyone fairly.

basic

I’m fairly sure I left my keys on the kitchen table.

natural

The movie was fairly good, but I wouldn’t watch it again.

natural

We got there fairly quickly because the roads were empty.

natural