fairly

[ fair-lee ]

adverb

1. in a fair manner; justly or honestly; impartially.
2. moderately; tolerably:

   a fairly heavy rain.

3. properly; legitimately:

   a claim fairly made.

4. Chiefly Southern U.S.
   1. actually; completely:

      The wheels fairly spun.

   2. almost; practically:

      He slipped off the roof and fairly broke his neck.

5. Archaic. clearly; distinctly:

   fairly seen.

6. Obsolete. gently; softly.
7. Obsolete. with respect and courtesy.

fairly

/ ˈfɛəlɪ /

adverb

1. not used with a negative moderately
2. as deserved; justly
3. not used with a negative positively; absolutely

   the hall fairly rang with applause

4. archaic.
   clearly
5. obsolete.
   courteously

Word History and Origins

Origin of fairly¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; fair ¹, -ly

Example Sentences

Most Republicans share Mr. Trump’s belief that he has not been treated fairly.

From NewsForKids.net

Some tracker and variable rate mortgages move fairly closely in line with the Bank's base rate.

From BBC

Although the final vote totals will be fairly close, Trump won all seven key battleground states, and swept the "blue wall" across the Midwest.

From Salon

"We remain committed to continued reforms and welcome constructive dialogue to address any legitimate concerns fairly and transparently," they added.

From BBC

“It means elections officials are doing everything they can to count every legitimate ballot fairly and accurately,” Cardenas said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• equitably
• honestly
• impartially
• objectively
• properly
• reasonably