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

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

But Act - a minor party in the ruling centre-right coalition - say this has resulted in the country being divided by race, and the bill will allow the treaty to be interpreted more fairly through parliament, rather than the courts.

From BBC

"Children who would normally keep with a fairly regular schedule of going out and coming back home might suddenly be out a lot later and not saying where they are or who they are with," she said.

From BBC

"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