fairly

adverb

fair·​ly ˈfer-lē How to pronounce fairly (audio)
1
: in a handsome manner
a table fairly set
2
obsolete
a
: in a gentle manner : quietly
b
: in a courteous manner
3
: so to speak : nearly, practically
fairly bursting with pride
4
a
: in a proper or legal manner
fairly priced stocks
b
: without bias or distortion : impartially
a story told fairly and objectively
5
: to a full degree or extent : plainly, distinctly
had fairly caught sight of him
6
: rather sense 5, moderately
a fairly easy job

Examples of fairly in a Sentence

It's a fairly common disease. I told the story as fairly as possible. He reports fairly on the issues. He beat me fairly and squarely.
Recent Examples on the Web This year, the candidates for the two major parties in the U.S. have been fairly clear from the get-go, as President Joe Biden will be seeking reelection and former President Donald Trump has been head and shoulders above all competitors for the top spot on the GOP ticket. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 While the table game selection is fairly slim when compared to Seven. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 There’s also some ornithopter combat and what looks like fairly extensive base-building options. Andrew Webster, The Verge, 4 Mar. 2024 Outdoor activities were called off, but the school conducted a fairly normal dismissal, according to district officials. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2024 But as of now, the industry itself is still fairly small. Bill Chappell, NPR, 4 Mar. 2024 Straight and relaxed styles are fairly timeless, while other options can be trend-specific. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 4 Mar. 2024 Though his political positions are fairly in line with Trump's, Dolan has yet to embrace the MAGA label, instead casting himself as the problem-solver Ohio needs in D.C. Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 Forecast in detail Skies are fairly bright today, but clouds are on the increase with time, as are breezes. A. Camden Walker, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fairly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fairly was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near fairly

Cite this Entry

“Fairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairly. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fairly

adverb
fair·​ly ˈfa(ə)r-lē How to pronounce fairly (audio)
ˈfe(ə)r-
1
: in a favorable manner
fairly situated
2
: in a manner of speaking : nearly
fairly bursting with pride
3
: in a fair manner : justly
treat each person fairly
4
: for the most part : rather
a fairly easy job

More from Merriam-Webster on fairly

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