fairly
gb/fˈɛɹli/ us/fˈɛɹli/
A2
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
quantity
1
to a reasonable extent
To some degree, but not very much.
Usage pattern:
fairly [adjective/adverb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'fairly' with 'very', but 'fairly' is weaker and means only to a moderate degree.
Synonyms
quite (Often slightly stronger in emphasis than 'fairly'.)
|
somewhat (Similar meaning but can sound more formal or cautious.)
Antonyms
extremely (Indicates a much higher degree than 'fairly'.)
|
barely (Indicates an amount much smaller than 'fairly'.)
Collocations
fairly common
|fairly easy
|fairly small
|fairly quickly
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The movie was fairly interesting, but not amazing.
- It's fairly cold outside today, so bring a jacket.
- She speaks Spanish fairly well for a beginner.
- The exam was fairly easy compared to last year.
Learner examples
- This book is fairly good.
- It is fairly hot today.
- He runs fairly fast.
- The soup is fairly salty.
adverb
B1
relation
2
in a fair manner
In a way that treats people equally and honestly.
Usage pattern:
treat [someone] fairly
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with 'moderately'. Here it means 'in a fair way', not 'somewhat'.
Synonyms
justly (More formal and emphasizes moral correctness.)
|
honestly (Focuses more on truthfulness than equality.)
Antonyms
unfairly (Opposite; treating people without justice or equality.)
|
unjustly (Formal opposite; acting without moral rightness.)
Collocations
treat fairly
|play fairly
|judge fairly
Themes
ethics
|social
|core_vocabulary
|relationships
|law
Examples
- The teacher graded all the exams fairly.
- We expect the law to be applied fairly to everyone.
- He always tries to treat his employees fairly.
- The game was played fairly by both teams.
Learner examples
- She treats all her children fairly.
- The judge listened fairly to both sides.
- We must play the game fairly.
- He paid me fairly for my work.
Grammar
Dictionary form
fairly
IPA
GB/fˈɛɹli/
US/fˈɛɹli/
Syllables & stress
fairly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (fairly)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: fairly
- Plural: fairlies
Word family
Expressions
fairly well
1/fˈɛɹli wˈɛl/
fixed phrase
moderately good performance or ability
To do something in a way that is good but not perfect.
Examples
- She speaks French fairly well after only six months of study.
- I think the meeting went fairly well overall.
treat someone fairly
1/tɹˈit sˈʌmwˌʌn fˈɛɹli/
fixed phrase
act justly toward someone
To be honest and equal when dealing with someone.
Examples
- It's important to treat all students fairly.
- The company promised to treat its workers fairly.