fairly

/'feəli/

Friendly

Explanation of "Fairly"

Definition: "Fairly" is an adverb used to express that something is done in a way that is just, honest, and according to the rules. It can also mean to a moderate or reasonable extent, indicating that something is quite good or bad, but not extremely so.

Usage Instructions

• Use "fairly" when you want to describe actions or behaviors that are honest and just.
• Use it to describe the degree or extent of something, indicating it is more than "somewhat" but less than "very."

Examples

1. In a fair manner:

   • "They played fairly in the game without cheating."
   • "It's important to deal fairly with others in a business."

2. To a moderate extent:

   • "The weather is fairly nice today." (meaning it is quite nice, but not perfect)
   • "She is fairly good at math." (meaning she is reasonably skilled, but not an expert)

Advanced Usage

• In more formal contexts, "fairly" can be used in legal or business discussions to emphasize the importance of fairness:
  • "The contract was negotiated fairly, ensuring both parties benefited."

Word Variants

• Fair (adjective): Just, equal, or unbiased.
  • Example: "It was a fair decision."
• Fairness (noun): The quality of being fair or just.
  • Example: "The fairness of the competition was questioned."

Different Meanings

1. Fairly can mean "to a moderate extent":
   • "This book is fairly interesting."
2. Fairly can also mean "in a fair manner":
   • "She treated everyone fairly."

Synonyms

• Reasonably (when indicating extent)
• Moderately
• Somewhat (more casual)

Idioms

• Fair and square: This idiom means to do something honestly and without cheating.

Academic

Adverb

1. in conformity with the rules or laws and without fraud or cheating
   • they played fairly
2. without favoring one party, in a fair evenhanded manner
   • deal fairly with one another
3. to a moderately sufficient extent or degree
   • pretty big
   • pretty bad
   • jolly decent of him
   • the shoes are priced reasonably
   • he is fairly clever with computers

Synonyms

• fair
• clean
• evenhandedly
• reasonably
• moderately
• pretty
• jolly
• somewhat
• middling
• passably