fairly
[fair-lee]
- in a fair manner; justly or honestly; impartially.
- moderately; tolerably: a fairly heavy rain.
- properly; legitimately: a claim fairly made.
- clearly; distinctly: fairly seen.
- Chiefly Southern U.S.
- actually; completely: The wheels fairly spun.
- almost; practically: He slipped off the roof and fairly broke his neck.
- Obsolete. softly.
- Obsolete. courteously.
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Origin of fairly
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
rather, reasonably, moderately, adequately, quite, objectively, properly, honestly, equitably, impartially, passably, enough, so-so, some, something, averagely, tolerably, honorably, deservedlyExamples from the Web for fairly
Contemporary Examples
These were conversations that took a fairly grim twist pretty quickly.
We were barely into the appetizer when he asked a fairly basic question—where did my family live?
Yes, it was a fairly disappointing year in music—one devoid of Goth teen prodigies, Yeezy, and galvanizing rock anthems.
The 14 Best Songs of 2014: Bobby Shmurda, Future Islands, Drake, and MoreMarlow Stern
December 31, 2014
Nothing will work sensibly, or fairly, until human responsibility is restored as the activating force for all public choices.
At this point, the female rapper comes across as fairly sympathetic—that is, until Azealia Banks grabs the mic.
Solange Smacks Jay Z, Legolas Slaps Bieber, and the Biggest Celebrity Feuds of the YearAmy Zimmerman
December 24, 2014
Historical Examples
And there was the wench too—he had fairly forgotten her name.
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
It was trusted often, was in attendance on the Emperor, and was fairly well paid.
The Armourer's PrenticesCharlotte M. Yonge
There is no height to which you may not fairly rise in this country.
The Grand Old ManRichard B. Cook
And yet in the end Pop was able to muster a fairly good imitation of a frown.
Way of the LawlessMax Brand
He could not go until he saw Mark fairly started on the way of recovery.
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
fairly
- (not used with a negative) moderately
- as deserved; justly
- (not used with a negative) positively; absolutelythe hall fairly rang with applause
- archaic clearly
- obsolete courteously
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for fairly
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper