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fairly
/ˈfɛərli/
to a moderate or reasonable degree
She did fairly well on the exam.
She performed moderately well on the exam.
general
to a moderate or reasonable degree; not excessively
The weather is fairly pleasant today.
The weather is moderately pleasant today.
He is fairly tall for his age.
He is moderately tall for his age.
Often used to soften a statement or to indicate a moderate level of something.
informal
quite or rather (used for emphasis)
The movie was fairly good.
The movie was quite good.
She is fairly smart.
She is quite smart.
In informal contexts, 'fairly' can sometimes mean 'quite' or 'rather' to emphasize a positive quality.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Moderation
Use 'fairly' to indicate a moderate level of something, avoiding extremes.
Emphasis
In informal contexts, 'fairly' can sometimes mean 'quite' or 'rather' to emphasize a positive quality.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Do not overuse 'fairly' as it can make your writing or speech sound vague or indecisive.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'fairly,' from 'fair' (meaning 'beautiful, just, or reasonable') + '-ly' (adverbial suffix).
Usage Notes
Can be used to soften a statement or to indicate a moderate level of something. In informal contexts, it can sometimes mean 'quite' or 'rather.'
Word Breakdown
fair
beautiful, just, or reasonable
root-ly
adverbial suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary